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 The conclusion comes from a genetic analysis of a baboon that was mummified during ancient Egypt’s Late Period (around 800 and 500 BCE). Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023 Tiny mice found mummified on the peaks of Andean volcanoes had made a home in the Mars-like environment, new evidence suggests—as impossible as the feat would seem. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2023 The man, who was accidentally mummified, will now receive a proper burial after being on display at a funeral home in Reading since November 1895, per Reuters. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2023 His body was released to Auman's Funeral Home in Reading, Pennsylvania — where it was accidentally mummified in an attempt to experiment with novel embalming techniques, said Reuters. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 3 Oct. 2023 According to Auman's Funeral Home in the city, 128 years ago, the man was accidentally mummified by a mortician experimenting with new embalming techniques. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2023 Sealed in their cocoons, the bees mummified, preserving their body shape and distinctive features. Sarah Derouin, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2023 But the decision to disconnect turned out to be deadly after three decomposed and partially mummified bodies were identified Tuesday, not long after the remains were found at a remote campsite in western Colorado. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 26 July 2023 All three of the bodies were partially mummified, Barnes told the Sun. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 26 July 2023 See More

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 7 Dec. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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