gumption

noun

gump·​tion ˈgəm(p)-shən How to pronounce gumption (audio)
1
: enterprise, initiative
lacked the gumption to try
2
chiefly dialectal : common sense, horse sense

Did you know?

English speakers have had gumption (the word, that is) since the early 1700s. The term's source isn't known, but early examples of it are found in Scottish (the related terms rumblegumption and rumgumption can be found there too). Gumption originally referred to common sense, but American English speakers adopted the word and took it in a new direction, using it to refer to the kind of courage or get-up-and-go that makes undertaking difficult things possible. Art historians may know a couple additional applications for the word: gumption was historically used both to refer to the art of preparing painters' colors, and as a synonym of megilp, which refers to a mixture of linseed oil and mastic varnish that is used as a vehicle for oil paints.

Examples of gumption in a Sentence

It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that. the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience
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.
Maddie is a feral woman with a lot of gumption, who is a fighter and a survivor. Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Do the Angels have the gumption to try again and attempt to land a superstar like Guerrero? Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 The only ones showed any gumption were the two women (Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska). Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2025 The first requires precision and consistency; the second, gumption and a dash of luck. Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gumption

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of gumption was in 1719

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Cite this Entry

“Gumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gumption. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gumption

noun
gump·​tion ˈgəm(p)-shən How to pronounce gumption (audio)
: courageous or ambitious initiative
lacked the gumption to try

More from Merriam-Webster on gumption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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