Word
tummy
Phoneticstum·my, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtəmi/
UK/tˈʌmi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a child's word for your stomach or belly. You use it when talking to children or when you want to sound cute and informal.
n. a colloquial or childish term for the stomach or abdomen. Often used in domestic contexts or when discussing minor ailments with children.
Examples
“The baby has a full tummy after eating.”
“She rubbed her tummy after the large holiday meal, feeling quite full and satisfied.”
Examples
simple
“The baby has a full tummy after eating.”
contextual
“She rubbed her tummy after the large holiday meal, feeling quite full and satisfied.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'tummy ache' to describe a stomach ache.
Etymology
Imitating a child's attempt to say stomach, via archaic colloquialism stummy. Compare twee and pasghetti for similar phonetic reductions.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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