Mummy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸงŸ
Add to dictionary

mummy

 

[ หˆmสŒmi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ancient Egypt

A mummy is a dead body that has been preserved by wrapping it in cloth. This process was commonly used in ancient Egypt to preserve the bodies of pharaohs and other important people for the afterlife.

Synonyms

corpse, embalmed body.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mummy

Similar to the first 'mummy,' it is used to describe a preserved body, usually in an archeological or ancient cultural context. It may also appear in horror or adventure genres.

  • Adventurers stumbled upon a hidden tomb with a perfectly preserved mummy.
embalmed body

Specifically refers to a body that has been preserved using chemical substances, usually for display in funerals or to preserve the body for a longer period. This term is often used in funeral contexts or discussions about preservation methods.

  • The embalmed body was prepared for the viewing ceremony.
  • Modern embalming techniques have significantly improved over the years.
corpse

Often used to refer to a dead human body in a general or clinical setting. This term is commonly used in crime, medical, or legal contexts and can have a rather grim or serious undertone.

  • The detective found the corpse lying in the alley.
  • Forensic scientists examined the corpse for clues.

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologists discovered a well-preserved mummy in the tomb.
  • The museum has a collection of mummies from ancient Egypt.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A mummy can also refer to a mother, especially in a childish or affectionate way.

Synonyms

mom, mother.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mummy

This word is commonly used in British English and is typically used by young children when addressing their mother. It is affectionate and informal.

  • Mummy, can I have a biscuit?
  • I made a card for my mummy.
mom

This word is commonly used in informal and everyday situations, particularly in the United States. It's often used by children when addressing their mother.

  • Mom, can you help me with my homework?
  • I love my mom.
mother

This word is more formal and can be used in both serious and casual contexts. It is suitable for written communication, formal speeches, or when discussing relationships in general.

  • She is the mother of three children.
  • My mother always gives me the best advice.

Examples of usage

  • Come here, mummy, I need a hug.
  • The little girl ran to her mummy when she got scared.

Translations

Translations of the word "mummy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mรบmia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคฎเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mumie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mumi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผัƒะผั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mumia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŸใ‚คใƒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท momie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ momia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mumya

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฏธ๋ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูˆู…ูŠุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mumie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mรบmia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœจไนƒไผŠ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mรบmija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรบmรญa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผัƒะผะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mumiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ momia

Etymology

The word 'mummy' originated from the Persian word 'mumia', which means bitumen or asphalt. The ancient Egyptians used the term 'mummy' to refer to the preserved bodies of the deceased. The practice of mummification was closely associated with Egyptian religious beliefs about the afterlife and the preservation of the body for eternity. Mummies have fascinated people for centuries, and their discovery has provided valuable insights into ancient civilizations.

See also: mum, mumbled, mumbling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,292, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.