# mumps

/ˈməmps/ (US) · /mˈʌmps/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mumps
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a common illness caused by a virus that makes your neck and face swell up. It usually causes a fever and makes it painful to swallow.

For teachers: an acute viral infection characterized by the swelling of the parotid salivary glands. Typically affects children and young adults; often preventable through vaccination.

## Examples

- He stayed home from school because he had the mumps.
- The doctor confirmed a case of mumps after noticing the characteristic swelling along the patient's jawline.
- While usually a mild childhood illness, mumps can occasionally lead to more severe complications such as meningitis or inflammation of the reproductive organs in adult patients.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The mumps are spreading." but "Mumps is spreading." — Mumps is a pluralia tantum noun that refers to a single disease, so it takes a singular verb.

## Usage notes

- Takes a singular verb despite the plural ending ('Mumps is...').

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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.