scum

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering compare pond scum sense 2
b
: the scoria of metals in a molten state : dross
c
: a slimy film on a solid or gelatinous object
2
a
: refuse
b
: a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people
scummy adjective

scum

2 of 2

verb

scummed; scumming

intransitive verb

: to become covered with or as if with scum

Examples of scum in a Sentence

Noun Boil the chicken and use a spoon to remove any scum that floats to the surface. claimed that only scum lived in that part of town
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Dark spots can indicate the presence of mold, and gray-blackish (or possibly light pink) slimy scum suggests biofilm, a substance secreted by microorganisms. Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024 The round brush can scrub soap scum from bathtubs, the pointed brush can tackle hard water stains on grout lines, and the flat tools can clean tiles and glass doors, for instance. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023 The gutter, the trenches, the dirt, the slime, the scum. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 9 Jan. 2024 The ex-Army man is well-liked in town, where no one knows his secret identity as an assassin, ridding the country of all kinds of scum, as directed by his handler Robert (Colm Meaney, doing regulation Colm Meaney). David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2023 The Scrub Free with OxiClean Soap Scum Bathroom Cleaner is the best shower tile cleaner for removing soap scum. Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2024 The drain cleaner helps dissolve hair, melt soap scum and grease, and eliminates other messy clogs. Tanya Edwards, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2023 Moisten the dryer sheet, rub the soap scum to remove it, and then rinse your shower with clean, warm water to remove any residue. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023 Bathrooms are prime real estate for mold, mildew, and soap scum, and vinegar is a great way to combat all that plus ban bacteria and those clingy bathroom odors. Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 1 May 2023
Verb
Lieberman is the scummiest scumbag who ever scummed. Jim Newell, Slate Magazine, 18 May 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle Dutch schum; akin to Old High German scūm foam

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scum

Cite this Entry

“Scum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scum. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scum

noun
ˈskəm
1
a
: matter that has risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a slimy covering compare pond scum sense 2
b
: a film formed on a solid or gelatinous object
soap scum
2
: a loathsome or worthless person or group of people
scummy
ˈskəm-ē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scum

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