rum-dum

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly rum-dumm
ˈrəmˌdəm
: reeling from drunkenness : intoxicated

rumdum

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from rum entry 2 + German dumm dumb (from Old High German tumb mute, stupid)

Noun

rum-dum

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rum-dum was circa 1891

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near rum-dum

Cite this Entry

“Rum-dum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rum-dum. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!