# mommy

/ˈmɑmi/ (US) · /mˈɒmi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. mother

noun · CEFR A1 · Informal · American English

a name that children use for their mother.

For teachers: a childish or affectionate term for one's mother. Common in North American English; equivalent to 'mummy' in British English.

- The little boy ran to his mommy when he fell down in the park.
- In early childhood development, the term mommy serves as one of the first linguistic markers of a primary caregiver relationship.

Usage: Often used as a proper noun when addressing one's own mother directly.

### 2. attractive woman

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang word for a woman who is very attractive or has a powerful personality.

For teachers: a slang term for a sexually attractive woman, often implying a mature or dominant quality.

- The fans on social media kept calling the famous actress mommy in the comments.
- The evolution of mommy into a slang descriptor for female celebrities reflects shifting internet subcultures regarding attraction and authority.

Teaching tip: This sense is common in internet culture but can be seen as objectifying or inappropriate in professional settings.

### 4. to mother someone

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal · American English

to take care of someone in a way that is too protective, like a mother.

For teachers: to treat someone with excessive maternal care or to overprotect them.

- Stop trying to mommy me; I can cook my own dinner.
- She tended to mommy her younger colleagues, which occasionally led to friction regarding their professional independence.

## Examples

- The little boy ran to his mommy for a hug.
- She asked her daughter to show the drawing to Mommy when they got home from school.

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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.