noun

mummy

An affectionate word for a mother, used chiefly in British English.

The little girl asks her mummy for another bedtime story.

Etymology

The affectionate ending is added to mum, the familiar name for mother. The resulting form is especially common in children’s speech and family address.

More examples

  • I want my mummy to sit beside me.
  • Is your mummy coming to the school play?
  • The children make cards for their mummies.

Forms

mummy · mummies

Similar words

mommy
The usual American equivalent, especially in young children's speech.
mom
An informal American term used by children and adults.
mother
The neutral term, without the same childish or affectionate tone.