mummer

noun

mum·​mer ˈmə-mər How to pronounce mummer (audio)
Synonyms of mummernext
1
: a performer in a pantomime
broadly : actor
2
: one who goes merrymaking in disguise during festivals

Synonyms of mummer

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Examples of mummer in a Sentence

a street festival featuring mummers in a pantomime those moonstruck mummers on TV soap operas who have more hair than talent
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.
Kraken and dark flame, lion and griffin, the sun's son and the mummer's dragon. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, 13 May 2019 For Martin, any rivalry between the shows is a mummer’s farce (that is, foolish). — James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 July 2022 Troupes of mimes and acrobats, musicians and mummers were ubiquitous in early modern Europe. — A. O. Scott, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2018 Like a medieval castle, where lords slept, blacksmiths pounded, soldiers trained, mummers mummed, and farmers sold their produce, the 21st century armory will be a mixed-use project in the truest sense. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026 Attendees will be led in traditional songs from England, Ireland, and the United States, and Revels will perform a mummers play. — Leslie Anderson, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Mar. 2018 Passyunk Avenue also features a replica of the mummers costume Jason wore during a parade after the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018. — Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mummer was in the 15th century

Rhymes for mummer

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Browse Nearby Words

Mumford
mummer
mummery
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Cite this Entry

“Mummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mummer. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mummer

noun
mum·​mer ˈməm-ər How to pronounce mummer (audio)
1
: a person who celebrates a holiday by making merry in disguise
2
: actor

More from Merriam-Webster on mummer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mummer

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