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gum

1 gum /ˈgʌm/ noun
plural gums
1 gum
/ˈgʌm/
noun
plural gums
Britannica Dictionary definition of GUM
[count]
: the flesh that surrounds the roots of your teeth usually plural see picture at mouth
compare 3gum
2 gum /ˈgʌm/ verb
gums; gummed; gumming
2 gum
/ˈgʌm/
verb
gums; gummed; gumming
Britannica Dictionary definition of GUM
[+ object] US
: to chew (something) with the gums because you do not have teeth
compare 4gum
3 gum /ˈgʌm/ noun
plural gums
3 gum
/ˈgʌm/
noun
plural gums
Britannica Dictionary definition of GUM
[count, noncount] : a sticky substance in some kinds of plants that is hard when it dries

by gum

informal + old-fashioned
used to show that you are surprised or determined
compare 1gum
4 gum /ˈgʌm/ verb
gums; gummed; gumming
4 gum
/ˈgʌm/
verb
gums; gummed; gumming
Britannica Dictionary definition of GUM

gum up

[phrasal verb]
gum (something) up or gum up (something) informal
: to prevent (something) from working or flowing properly
often used in the phrase gum up the works
compare 2gum