a person who has no home or job and lives by asking others for money or food, the buttocks

on the bum, have a bum steer, give someone the bum's rush

Formal and Informal Expressions of bum

In different contexts, you can replace 'bum' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'homeless person, vagrant' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'tramp, hobo' is a commonplace synonym.

bum: Explore its Definition & Usage

bum Definition

1a person who has no home or job and lives by asking others for money or food
2the buttocks

Using bum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He's been living as a bum on the streets for years.
Example
She gave him a swift kick in the bum.
Example
I need to work out more to tone my bum.
Example
The movie was so boring, I just sat on my bum the whole time.

bum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bum

tramp
hobo
vagrant
beggar
homeless person

Antonyms for bum

homeowner
employed person

Idioms Using bum

on the bum
living as a homeless person or without a permanent residence
Example
After losing his job, he ended up on the bum for a few months before finding a new one.
have a bum steer
to be given bad or misleading advice or guidance
Example
I had a bum steer from my friend about which restaurant to go to. It was terrible!
give someone the bum's rush
to force someone to leave quickly and unceremoniously
Example
The bouncer gave the rowdy patron the bum's rush out of the club.

Phrases with bum

bum around
to spend time aimlessly or without purpose
Example
I'm just going to bum around the house today and relax.
bum steer
bad or misleading advice or guidance
Example
I followed his directions and ended up getting lost. He really gave me a bum steer.
bum rap
unfair or undeserved criticism or blame
Example
I got a bum rap for something I didn't even do.

Origins of bum

originally meaning 'buttocks', from Middle English 'bum', probably of Scandinavian origin

📌

Summary: bum in Brief

'Bum' [bʌm] can refer to a homeless person or someone who lives by begging. It can also mean 'buttocks,' as in 'She gave him a swift kick in the bum.' Phrases like 'bum around' and idioms like 'on the bum' denote aimless or homeless lifestyles. 'Bum steer' and 'bum rap' describe bad advice or unfair criticism, respectively.