WordGarden.iomummy
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈʌmi/
US
- /ˈməmi/
Meanings
Noun
a preserved dead body, especially from ancient Egypt
mother, especially as addressed by a young child
Beyond the definition
When we say "mummy," many people picture ancient Egypt. It often means a dead body that has been carefully preserved, sometimes wrapped in cloth, so it does not decay in the usual way. Egyptian mummies are the most famous, especially those of kings and other important people placed in tombs. But "mummy" does not always refer to the ancient world. In British English, it is also a warm, familiar word that many children use for their mother. Context makes the meaning clear. You might say, "My mummy makes the best cookies," or read about archaeologists discovering a mummy in a tomb.
The word "mummy" has two common meanings. First, it can mean a dead body that has been preserved, either naturally or by people. This meaning is strongly linked with ancient Egypt, where bodies were carefully prepared, wrapped, and buried as part of religious belief and funeral custom. Many people first think of pharaohs, tombs, and linen bandages, but the idea is not limited to Egypt. A preserved body from another place or time can also be called a mummy.
Second, "mummy" is a loving word for "mother" in British English and in some other kinds of English. Young children often use it at home, and adults may use it too when speaking warmly or casually about their mother. In this sense, the word feels soft, familiar, and personal.
So the meaning depends completely on context. In one story, explorers may discover a mummy in an ancient tomb. In another, a small child may run across the room calling for their mummy. The same word can feel eerie and historical in one moment, then gentle and domestic in the next.
Examples
- 1
Museum exhibit
The museum has a mummy from ancient Egypt.
- 2
Archaeology
Archaeologists found a mummy wrapped in linen.
- 3
British child word
The little girl ran to her mummy when she heard the thunder.
- Usage
In British English, mummy is a child’s word for mother.
- 4
Child speaking
“Mummy, can I have a drink?” he called from his bed.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Teasing
His friends teased him for being a mummy’s boy.
- Phrasea mummy’s boy
a boy or man who depends too much on his mother
See also
Similar
- embalmed body
- preserved corpse
Shades of meaning
- desiccated body
Contrast
Do not confuse
- mommy
Used with (collocations)
- Egyptian mummy
- mummy case
- mummy wrappings
Word family
- mummify
- mummification
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mummynounverb
Forms
- mummiespluralnounverb
- mummiedpast tenseverbnoun
- mummying-ing formverbnoun