tom

¹

[ tom ]

noun

1. the male of various animals, as the turkey.
2. a tomcat.

Tom

²

[ tom ]

noun

1. Uncle Tom.
2. a male given name, form of Thomas.

verb (used without object)

, Tommed, Tom·ming.

1. (often lowercase) to act like an Uncle Tom.

ToM

³

or TOM

abbreviation for

1. theory of mind.

tom

¹

/ tɒm /

noun

1. 1. the male of various animals, esp the cat
   2. ( as modifier )

      a tom turkey

   3. ( in combination )

      a tomcat

tom

²

/ tɒm /

noun

1. a temporary supporting post

Word History and Origins

Origin of tom¹

First recorded in 1755–65; generic use of the male given name Tom

Word History and Origins

Origin of tom¹

C16: special use of the shortened form of Thomas, applied to any male, often implying a common or ordinary type of person, etc

Origin of tom²

from a specialized use of tom ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see every tom, dick, and harry ; peeping tom .

Example Sentences

During concerts, Carlos Niño may set up a bass drum and a floor tom, but his percussion is far from conventional.

From New York Times

The white and ginger tom cat, known as Twix, escaped from his carrier on a train traveling between Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg on Jan. 11.

From Seattle Times

Tiravanija’s early relational pieces — offering curry and tom ka soup, sodas and beers, grass mats and pillows for weary visitors — appeared as museums increasingly promoted the politics of multiculturalism.

From New York Times

Bush offered a public assurance, saying, “this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table.”

From Washington Times

Dine-in: This Thanksgiving buffet includes roasted tom turkey, prime rib and salmon, and a bountiful appetizer spread.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• kitten
• kitty