keep/stay mum

phrase

informal

: to not tell anyone (about something)

She told him to keep/stay mum about the project.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Keep/stay mum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%2Fstay%20mum. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

keep/stay mum

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

crepuscular

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes