"be silent," 1560s, from Middle English mum, mom (late 14c.), inarticulate closed-mouth sound, indicative of unwillingness or inability to speak. As an adjective meaning "secret" from 1520s. Phrase mum's the word is first recorded 1704.
mum (n.1)
abbreviation of chrysanthemum, first attested 1915 in the jargon of gardeners.
mum (n.2)
pet word for "mother," 1823, short for mummy (see mamma). In British sociology, used from 1957 in reference to "the working class mother as an influence in the lives of her children." Also sometimes a vulgar corruption of madam.
雙語例句
1. In some cases there is a mini-mum age limit.
有些情況下有最低年齡限制。
來自柯林斯例句
2. She scribbled a note to tell Mum she'dgone out.
她匆匆寫了個便條告訴媽媽她已外出。
來自柯林斯例句
3. He is keeping mum about his feelings on the matter.
他閉口不談他對此事的個人感受。
來自柯林斯例句
4. I've asked Mum to sit for us next Saturday.
我已經拜托媽媽下周六為我們臨時照看一下孩子。
來自柯林斯例句
5. There are plenty of plus points about being an older first-time mum.