# mama

/ˈmɑmə/ (US) · /mˈɑːmɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mama
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mother

noun · CEFR A1 · Informal

a name for a mother, used especially by children or when speaking warmly about her.

For teachers: an informal and often affectionate term for a female parent. Frequently used as a vocative or a proper noun within a family unit.

- The little boy ran to his mama as soon as he saw her.
- Even as an adult, he occasionally referred to his mother as 'mama' when they were alone together in the family home.

### 2. term of address for a woman

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Dialect

a respectful or friendly way to address a woman, especially an older one.

For teachers: a term of address for a woman, often used to show respect to an elder or familiarity within certain communities.

- Excuse me, mama, could you tell me where the nearest bus stop is?
- In many Caribbean communities, addressing an older woman as 'mama' is a sign of deep cultural respect rather than a claim of kinship.

### 3. attractive woman

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang word for an attractive woman or a girlfriend.

For teachers: a slang term for a sexually attractive woman or a romantic partner, such as a wife or girlfriend.

- He called his girlfriend 'hot mama' as a playful compliment.
- The lyrics of the song used 'mama' as a generic term of endearment for a beautiful woman the singer encountered at a club.

### 4. expression of surprise

interjection · CEFR B1 · Informal

a word used to show you are surprised, impressed, or excited.

For teachers: an exclamation used to express a range of emotions including surprise, joy, or approval; frequently preceded by 'oh'.

- Oh mama, that is the biggest cake I have ever seen.
- When the fireworks finally erupted over the harbour, a collective 'oh mama' rose from the impressed crowd.

## Examples

- I need to call my Mama and tell her the news.
- The toddler ran across the playground shouting for his Mama when he saw her arrive.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.