momma

American  

[mom-uh] / ˈmɒm ə /

noun

1. a variant of mama.

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momma British  

/ ˈmɒmə /

noun

1. another word for mother 1

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Usage

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

Example Sentences

"My momma had a stroke so I've spent the past couple weeks lookin after her."

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Aside from that one bit of action, momma was the hero here.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025

He blasted Prince for being insensitive about Takeoff’s death and not thinking about “his momma, the family.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2023

My momma is trying to come up with a show about the pressure that rap moms have to go through — to be a parent of someone in hip-hop.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2022

When all this was over, Owen planned to curl up under a big, heavy blanket on his couch and not come out for months and months, like a momma bear in her den.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz