Gum

/ɡʌm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sticky substance made from the sap of certain trees, used in various products or for chewing.

She chewed a piece of gum while waiting for her friend.

The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

He had to see the dentist because his gums were bleeding.

A type of adhesive or sticky material.

The children used gum to stick the paper decorations to the wall.

verb

To chew on gum or something similar.

He was gumming his food because he had lost his teeth.

Middle English 'gumme', from Old French 'gomme', from Latin 'gummi', from Greek 'gomme'.

gum up the works

to cause a failure in a system or process.

bite the gum

to endure a difficulty or unpleasant situation.

gumbo

A type of stew or soup from Louisiana.

gummy

Having a sticky or gelatinous texture.

To chew gum.

Stop smacking your gum at the table!