mmm

English

Etymology

Onomatopoeia

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [m̩ː]

• Audio (RP)

  (file)

• Audio (GA)

  (file)

Interjection

mmm

1. (onomatopoeia) An emotional expression of contentment

   Mmm, this is a tasty pie!

2. (onomatopoeia) An expression used to show thought or reflection

   Mmm, I see what you mean.

   • 2014 May 11, Ivan Hewett, “Piano Man: a Life of John Ogdon by Charles Beauclerk, review: A new biography of the great British pianist whose own genius destroyed him [print version: A colossus off-key, 10 May 2014, p. R27]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review)‎^[1]:

     In his final years he [John Ogdon] gave an interview to an American journalist who noticed that “his handshake is a boneless fadeaway. His response to a lengthy anecdote from a close friend is likely to range from a non-committal ‘Mmmmmmm’ to a rare ‘Very interesting’.”

3. (onomatopoeia) Used to represent an utterance that is muffled or spoken with a full mouth (also spelled "mmph").
4. (UK) Yes.
   • 1987, Withnail and I:

     Danny: Have you got any food?
     I: Mmm! As a matter of fact, got a saveloy.

Usage notes

• Additional ms may be added to suggest a longer sound.

Translations

expression used for contentment

• Dutch: mmm (nl)
• Hungarian: mmm
• Swedish: mmm (sv)

hmm — see hmm

See also

• hmm

Luganda

This entry has fewer than three known examples of actual usage, the minimum considered necessary for clear attestation, and may not be reliable. Luganda is subject to a special exemption for languages with limited documentation. If you speak it, please consider editing this entry or adding citations. See also Help and the Community Portal.

Etymology

Onomatopoeia.

Interjection

mmm

1. Used to signify that one is listening and understands

Synonyms

• eee

References

The Essentials of Luganda, J. D. Chesswas, 4th edition. Oxford University Press: Nairobi. 1967, p. 152.

Portuguese

Interjection

mmm

1. Alternative form of hm