WordGarden.ioyum
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈʌm/
US
- /ˈjəm/
Meanings
Interjection
used to express pleasure at how good food or drink tastes
Beyond the definition
"Yum" is a small, happy sound people make when something tastes really good. It is usually used as an excited exclamation, like saying "This is delicious!" or "That smells amazing!" Even though it is simple, "yum" clearly shows the quick pleasure of eating something tasty. You might hear a child say "yum" after a bite of ice cream, or an adult say it over a slice of chocolate cake. It is a common and easy way to show enjoyment of food.
"Yum" is an interjection—a word used to express sudden emotion—and almost always, that emotion is delight related to taste. Think of it as a mini-celebration for your taste buds! While not a formal word, "yum" has become widely accepted in English as a simple, effective way to convey the enjoyment of food or drink.
Originally thought to copy the sound someone makes when enjoying something delicious, "yum" is often used spontaneously; you do not usually plan to say it, it just pops out. It is especially common in informal settings and when speaking with children. You might say "Mmm, yum!" after taking a bite of your favorite meal, or hear a child shout "Yum, cookies!" when given a treat.
Sometimes, "yum" is also used playfully for things that seem appealing in a wider sense, especially in casual speech or online. For example, someone might jokingly say a beach getaway sounds "yum." Even so, its main meaning is still strongly connected to food and drink.
So, the next time you taste something truly wonderful, don't be afraid to let out a little "Yum!"—it's the universal language of satisfaction!
Examples
- 1
Warm food
Yum, this soup is perfect on a cold day.
- 2
Taste reaction
She took one bite of the dumpling and said, "Yum!"
- 3
Imagined food
I saw the bakery's cinnamon rolls online and immediately thought, yum.
- Usage
You can say yum about food you see or imagine, not only food you are eating.
- 4
Childlike phrase
The kids were shouting "yum yum" as the pancakes came to the table.
- Usage
yum yum is a playful, childlike way to say food looks or tastes very good.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- yum