Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Silent, not speaking: "mum" describes someone who is deliberately not speaking or communicating, especially when speech is expected.

2. Noun:

   • Secrecy, silence: "mum" can refer to the state of keeping something secret or not talking about it.
   • Informal term for mother: "mum" is a common, informal word for one's mother, used primarily in British English.
   • A type of chrysanthemum: (Archaic/Botanical) "mum" can be a shortened form for the flowering plant chrysanthemum.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • He stayed mum during the entire interrogation. (He remained silent.)
  • The witness was advised to keep mum about the details. (The witness was told not to speak.)

• Noun (Secrecy):

  • It's a secret, so mum's the word! (This is an idiom meaning "keep it quiet.")
  • They promised mum on the subject until the official announcement. (They promised silence.)

• Noun (Mother):

  • I'll call my mum after work. (I'll call my mother.)
  • Is your mum coming to the school play? (Is your mother attending?)

Advanced Usage and Idioms

• "Mum's the word": This is a common idiom meaning "keep it a secret" or "don't tell anyone."
  • About the surprise party—mum's the word! (Don't tell anyone about the surprise party!)

Variants and Related Words

• Mummy (n): Another informal, chiefly British term for mother, often used by or with young children.

  • The little girl held her mummy's hand.

• Mum as a verb (archaic): To act in a pantomime or to mask oneself. This usage is very rare in modern English.

  • The performers would mum for the festival.

Synonyms

• Adjective (Silent): Silent, quiet, tight-lipped, uncommunicative.
• Noun (Mother): Mom (chiefly US), mummy, mother, ma.

Notes on Usage

• The adjective meaning ("silent") is less common in everyday American English but is understood. The noun meaning for "mother" is standard in British, Australian, and other Commonwealth varieties of English. In American English, "mom" is the direct equivalent.
• The phrase "mum's the word" is widely used and understood across all English dialects.

Adjective

1. failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to
   • the witness remained silent

Noun

1. secrecy
   • mum's the word
2. informal terms for a mother
3. of China