What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mum
Example
My mum is the best cook in the family. [mum: noun]
Example
The children were so engrossed in their game that they became mum. [mum: adjective]
Example
I promised to keep the plan mum until it was finalized. [mum: adjective]
mom
Example
My mom always knows how to make me feel better. [mom: noun]
Example
She's going to be a great mom to her new baby. [mom: noun]
Example
She has a very mom-like personality, always looking out for others. [mom: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mom is more commonly used than mum in American English, while mum is more commonly used than mom in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mum and mom?
Neither mum nor mom are formal words, and both are appropriate for use in casual and informal contexts.
