tum
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈʌm/
US
- /tˈʌm/
Description
- stomach
- belly
- tummy
- middle
In English, "tum" is a simple, playful word for the stomach, especially a child's stomach. It often appears in warm, everyday speech when someone talks about hunger, a stomachache, or a full belly after eating. The tone is gentle and informal, so it fits family talk much better than formal writing.
In English, "tum" is an informal word for the stomach or belly. It is especially common in speech with children or in light, friendly conversation, where a more playful tone feels natural. Someone might mention a sore "tum," a hungry "tum," or a full "tum" after a big meal. Because it sounds soft and familiar, it is often used in caring or domestic situations rather than in serious or medical contexts.
The word usually overlaps with "tummy," and in many cases it feels like a shorter, even more casual form of it. That is why it works well in stories, family talk, and simple everyday English. In formal writing, though, people usually choose "stomach" instead. Overall, "tum" is best understood as a warm, child-friendly way to talk about the front part of the body where you feel hunger, fullness, or pain.
Examples
- 1
Lying position
The baby was lying on his tum, kicking his legs in the air.
Phrase
on your tum
lying with the front of your body facing down
- 2
Full feeling
I've eaten too much, and my tum feels really full.
- 3
Child illness
The little girl said her tum hurt, so her dad took her home.
Usage
tum is informal, especially in British English and when speaking to children
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- tumnoun