English Reference

Word

yummy

Phoneticsyum·my, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈjəmi/

UK/jˈʌmi/

Definition

adj. tasting very good.

adj. highly pleasing to the sense of taste. Often used in child-directed speech or informal adult conversation.

Examples

“This chocolate cake is so yummy.”

“The kids finished every bite of the dinner because they thought the sauce was yummy.”

“While food critics might prefer more sophisticated descriptors like 'palatable' or 'succulent', the average diner often resorts to 'yummy' to express immediate, uncomplicated pleasure.”

Examples

simple

“This chocolate cake is so yummy.”

contextual

“The kids finished every bite of the dinner because they thought the sauce was yummy.”

complex

“While food critics might prefer more sophisticated descriptors like 'palatable' or 'succulent', the average diner often resorts to 'yummy' to express immediate, uncomplicated pleasure.”

Usage

Typically used as a predicative or attributive adjective.

Teaching tip

While common in casual speech, using this word in professional or formal writing can make the speaker sound immature.

Etymology

From yum + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

delicioustastyscrumptious

Antonyms

disgustingyucky

This entry

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
Register
Informal

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English Reference