ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mummy

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈməmi// UK //mˈʌmi// mum·my Archaic Informal

n. a word for mother that children often use. It is a warm and friendly way to talk to or about your mom.

n. a familiar and affectionate term for a mother. Primarily used in British English and by young children; often replaced by 'mum' or 'mother' as the speaker matures.


SIMPLE

The little girl ran to her mummy for a hug.

CONTEXTUAL

He still calls his mother 'mummy' when they are at home together, though he uses her name in public.

COMPLEX

While 'mother' serves as the formal biological or legal designation, 'mummy' carries a specific emotional weight associated with early childhood bonding and domestic comfort.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English mummie, from Anglo-Norman mumie, from Middle French momie, from Medieval Latin mumia, from Arabic مُومِيَاء (mūmiyāʔ), from Persian مومیا (mumyâ), from موم (mum, “wax”). Doublet of mumijo.

Etymology 2

From mum + -y (diminutive suffix), related to mom and mommy, from mother.

Usage

Commonly used as a vocative to address a parent directly; often capitalised when used as a proper name.

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