scum

1 of 2

noun

ˈskəm 

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

ˈskə-mē 

adjective

scum

2 of 2

verb

scummed; scumming

intransitive verb

: to become covered with or as if with scum

Synonyms of scum

Noun

• masses
• rabble
• populace
• trash
• proletariat
• unwashed
• people
• public
• riffraff

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

Tips To Keep Your Sink Clean Longer Rinse the sink after every use to get rid of food debris that can cause odors, get rid of soap scum, and reduce staining. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Hair and other solid debris can be pulled out of the drain this way, while grease and soap scum clogs can be physically broken up by the drain snake or auger, then flushed with hot water to clean the line. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2026

Vinegar Acidic solutions like vinegar are a fan favorite of many eco-friendly cleaners, due to their innate ability to break down and lift stains from hard water, rust, and soap scum. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

If scale buildup, soap scum and mineral residue are the issue, a hard water shower filter will not address the root cause. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing scum

• pond scum
• scum of the earth

Rhymes for scum

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

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