gum
word
Definition
Gum can mean a soft sweet that you chew without swallowing, the pink flesh around your teeth, or a sticky natural or artificial substance used in products and adhesives. The meaning depends on the context.
Usage & Nuances
In everyday English, gum most often means chewing gum. For the mouth meaning, it is often used in the plural: 'my gums hurt'. For sticky material, common phrases include 'chewing gum', 'gum disease', and 'gum arabic'. Do not confuse it with 'glue', which is specifically an adhesive.
Example Sentences
I bought some gum at the store.
basic
My gums bleed when I brush my teeth.
basic
This tree makes a sticky gum.
basic
Do you have any gum? My breath is terrible after lunch.
natural
The dentist said I need to take better care of my gums.
natural
I stepped on gum and now it's stuck to my shoe.
natural