rum

1 of 2

noun

ˈrəm 

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

Synonyms of rum

Noun

• liquor
• alcohol
• booze
• drink
• bottle

Adjective

• strange
• funny
• bizarre
• weird
• peculiar
• curious
• odd
• erratic
• eccentric
• crazy
• remarkable
• unusual
• queer
• wild

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

Noun

Barbados The Caribbean’s easternmost island is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of rum (and of Rihanna). —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

Nightly prizes are awarded to the day’s winners as rum punches and champagne flow and the distinctive upbeat melody of the steel drum band soundtracks the celebrations. —Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Adjective

The final blend was aged for 20 years in England in an ex-rum barrel and bottled at cask strength of 58 percent. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

After dinner, rum-centric cocktails are served up nightly with vibey tunes and a view of the Grove that stretches all the way to the Bay. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing rum

• bay rum
• bay-rum tree
• Jamaica rum

Rhymes for rum

• bum
• chum
• come
• crum
• cum
• drum
• dum
• dumb
• from
• frum
• glum
• gum

Kids Definition

rum

noun

ˈrəm

: an alcoholic liquor made from molasses or sugarcane