mama

American  

[mah-muh, muh-mah] / ˈmɑ mə, məˈmɑ /

Also momma or mamma

noun

1. Informal. mother.

2. Slang.

   1. a sexually attractive, usually mature woman.

   2. one's wife.

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mama British  

/ məˈmɑː /

noun

1. old-fashioned an informal word for mother 1

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Usage

What does mama mean? Mama is an informal word for mother. Mama can also be spelled momma and mamma. Mama is informal, and it’s often used by young children, much like the word mommy. Adults also sometimes use mama to refer to their mothers, especially when they have a close relationship. The word can be used as a title for one’s mother, as in You should call Mama, and as a way to address her, as in Hi, Mama—happy Mother’s Day! In these two uses, the word is usually capitalized since it’s used like a proper name. Mama can also be used as an informal way to refer to one’s mother, as in You should call your mama. Call your mama whatever you want—just remember to call her.

Etymology

Origin of mama

First recorded in 1545–55; nursery word, with parallels in other European languages, probably in part inherited or borrowed, in part newly formed; compare Latin mamma, Greek mámmē “breast, mama” ( see mamma ²), French maman “mama,” Welsh mam “mother” (from unattested mammā )

Explanation

Mama is a kind of nickname for your mother, another way to say "mom" or "mommy." A very common first word for babies in nearly every country is mama. The ma sound shows up very early in a baby's babbling, and experts believe that's where mama originated. Nearly every Indo-European language has a word for "mother" that sounds like mama, including the Latin mamma, the Greek mamme, and the Persian mama. Plenty of older kids and even adults use the word too, as a fond nickname for their mother.

Example Sentences

“Every single person and their mama is a builder,” says Willis Clayton-Stankowski, 25, who lives in Oakland.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The cameras help the nonprofit ensure that the mama and cubs are safe and not too close to wires or stuck in netting, both situations they’ve dealt with, Bryant said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

“They’re mama bears, and they’re coming out, and they’re going to run for office, and they’re going to become more vocal.”

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

‘You’ve got to take care of mama bear and papa bear first.’

From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025

“I’ve got some beeswax candles for your mama to trade.”

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• female
• girl
• woman