English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word bum in English

What does bum mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bum

US /bʌm/
UK /bʌm/
"bum" picture

Noun

1.

a person who is lazy, unemployed, and without a home

Example:
•
He lives like a bum, always asking for money.
•
The park bench was occupied by a sleeping bum.
Synonym:
hobotrampvagabonddrifterloafer
2.

(informal, chiefly US) the buttocks

Example:
•
He fell and landed on his bum.
•
My bum is sore from sitting all day.
Synonym:
buttocksassrearbottomderriere

Verb

1.

to live as a bum; to loaf or idle

Example:
•
He decided to bum around Europe for a few months.
•
Don't just bum around all day; find something productive to do.
Synonym:
loafidleloungelazedawdle
2.

(informal) to borrow without intending to return; to cadge

Example:
•
Can I bum a cigarette off you?
•
He's always trying to bum money from his friends.
Synonym:
cadgescroungemoochspongebeg

Adjective

1.

(informal) of poor quality or undesirable

Example:
•
This movie is really bum.
•
I got a bum deal on that car.
Synonym:
badpoorinferiorlousycrappy
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