rum

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of rumnext
1
: an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product (such as molasses)
2
: alcoholic liquor
the demon rum

rum

2 of 2

adjective

rummer; rummest
1
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : strange, odd
Now writing is rum trade and eyes are rum things, and what is all right one day is all wrong the next.Angela Thirkell
2
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : difficult, dangerous

Examples of rum in a Sentence

Noun a fiery sermon on the evils of demon rum Adjective They're a pretty rum lot. she wears staid business suits, but prefers some quite rum knickers underneath
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Ideal for families, the latter trip includes rum punch, snacks, sodas, and lunch. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026 There’s also a solid lineup of cocktails, beer, and wine, but please, for the love of all that is good about this kind of establishment, order something with rum in it. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
To drink, there are rum-focused cocktails and wines from Callahan. Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Jan. 2026 The whiskey was distilled in 1989 and matured in ex-rum casks before being finished for three years in barrels that previously contained Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for rum

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably short for obsolete rumbullion rum

Adjective

of uncertain origin

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rum was in 1654

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Cite this Entry

“Rum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rum. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

rum

noun
ˈrəm
: an alcoholic liquor made from molasses or sugarcane

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