mummify

verb

mum·​mi·​fy ˈmə-mi-ˌfī How to pronounce mummify (audio)
mummified; mummifying

transitive verb

1
: to embalm and dry as or as if a mummy
2
a
: to make into or like a mummy
b
: to cause to dry up and shrivel

intransitive verb

: to dry up and shrivel like a mummy
mummification noun

Examples of mummify in a Sentence

learning how ancient Egyptians mummified their dead a body that mummified in the desert heat a body that was mummified by the desert heat
Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, for literally thousands of years, Ptah has been depicted — often in gold — as a sleek figure, standing erect (perhaps even mummified, but for its arms and face) and holding in front of him, right hand over left, a staff. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Roderick, in his distressed state, eventually kills Madeline by mummifying her, which, to his sister's chagrin, is painfully unsuccessful. Nick Romano, EW.com, 12 Oct. 2023 In fact, they were essentially raised in captivity before being mummified. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Why did these monks in Japan choose to mummify themselves? Travel, 25 Jan. 2024 Film on ‘People’s President' Bobi Wine gains Oscar nomination Why did these monks in Japan choose to mummify themselves? Science, 25 Jan. 2024 This destructive fishing style doesn't just harm marine life Film on ‘People’s President' Bobi Wine gains Oscar nomination Why did these monks in Japan choose to mummify themselves? Premium, 24 Jan. 2024 The Lady was naturally mummified, and although her lower limbs weren’t intact, her organs, including her skin, were well preserved. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2024 In this environment, the skin was mummified–the technical term in paleontology for when organic matter dries out before decaying. Popular Science, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mummify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mummify was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near mummify

Cite this Entry

“Mummify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mummify. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mummify

verb
mum·​mi·​fy ˈməm-i-ˌfī How to pronounce mummify (audio)
mummified; mummifying
1
: to embalm and dry as or like a mummy
2
: to dry up like the skin of a mummy : shrivel
mummification noun

Medical Definition

mummify

verb
mum·​mi·​fy ˈməm-i-ˌfī How to pronounce mummify (audio)
mummified; mummifying

transitive verb

1
: to embalm and dry as or as if a mummy
2
a
: to make into or like a mummy
b
: to cause to dry up and shrivel

intransitive verb

: to dry up and shrivel like a mummy
a mummified fetus

More from Merriam-Webster on mummify

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