SKIP TO CONTENT

mom

/mɑm/
/mɒm/
IPA guide

Other forms: moms

Mom is what many Americans call their mothers. Mothers with young children hear this word about 10,000 times a day, usually all in a row. Mom. Mom. Mom. You get the idea.

Mom is a very common informal word in the U.S. for “mother,” shortened from momma or mommy, an even more childish nickname for your mother. If you’re talking directly to your mom, using “mom” like a name, capitalize it – "Hi, Mom!" If you’re talking about her or another mom, don’t – "Hi, other person’s mom." In other English-speaking parts of the world, people might use mum instead.

Definitions of mom
  1. noun
    informal terms for a mother
    synonyms: ma, mama, mamma, mammy, momma, mommy, mum, mummy
    see moresee less
    type of:
    female parent, mother
    a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
Pronunciation
US
/mɑm/
UK
/mɒm/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mom'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family