mummy

1 of 2

noun

mum·​my ˈmə-mē How to pronounce mummy (audio)
plural mummies
1
a
: a body embalmed or treated for burial with preservatives in the manner of the ancient Egyptians
b
: a body unusually well preserved
2
: one resembling a mummy

mummy

2 of 2

chiefly British spelling of mommy

Examples of mummy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The mummy of the Mysterious Lady was not pregnant, and Egyptian mummies smell spicy, sweet, and woody. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Many of the mummies also emanated hints of smoke, mold, flowers and dust, among other odors. Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 There is a certain internal logic to making mummies smell good. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 The beast’s remains were originally excavated in 1914 during an expedition to Bahariya Oasis, a site in Egypt’s western desert known for yielding additional dinosaur bones, as well as ancient mummies and architectural treasures. Leslie Katz, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mummy

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mummie powdered parts of a mummified body used as a drug, from Anglo-French mumie, from Medieval Latin mumia mummy, powdered mummy, from Arabic mūmiya bitumen, mummy, from Persian mūm wax

First Known Use

Noun

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mummy was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Mummy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mummy. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

mummy

noun
mum·​my
ˈməm-ē
plural mummies
1
: a body prepared for burial in the manner of the ancient Egyptians
2
: an unusually well-preserved body

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