mom

mom — noun

1. your female parent, especially when you are speaking to her or about her in a ca

1.nounA1
Definition

your female parent, especially when you are speaking to her or about her in a casual, everyday way

Example

Before school each day, Imani's mom packs her lunch with care.

possessive + mom + simple present for routine

Christopher asked his mom whether he could stay up late for the movie.

Common collocations
  • my mom
  • your mom
  • call your mom
  • ask your mom
  • mom and dad
Synonyms
  • mother

    more formal and neutral; appropriate in any register

  • mama

    very informal, used mainly by young children or in affectionate speech

  • mum

    British English equivalent of mom

Antonyms
  • dad

    the male parent, equally informal

  • father

    the male parent, formal register

Usage Note

Capitalize Mom when used as a name or in direct address ('Can I go, Mom?'), but use lowercase with a possessive or article ('my mom'). In British English, mum is the common equivalent.

Common Mistakes

Mom said dinner is ready' (when not directly addressing her).
My mom said dinner is ready.
Mom is capitalized only when used as a name or form of address.

mom — abbreviation

Word family

  • mommy
    nounA1
  • grandmom
    nounA2