mummy

1 of 2

noun

mum·​my ˈmə-mē 

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

Noun

There, archaeologists found three chambers in which dozens of mummies lay side by side, indicating an ancient mass cemetery. —Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024

Archaeologists have uncovered several ancient Egyptian tombs containing dozens of mummies—some of which were found with gold tongues and nails—among other remarkable artifacts. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Scientists found mummies covered in ancient cheese By Rachel Feltman Scientists recently found some cheese that’s been developing its funk for a little bit longer than usual: 3,500 years or so. —Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, known for its kid-friendly exhibits on mummies, space, dinosaurs, gems and minerals, offers one of the city’s best views of the mountains from its giant rear windows. —Steve Knopper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2024

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

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