1
: a performer in a pantomime
broadly : actor
2
: one who goes merrymaking in disguise during festivals

Examples of mummer in a Sentence

a street festival featuring mummers in a pantomime those moonstruck mummers on TV soap operas who have more hair than talent
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.
Passyunk Avenue also features a replica of the mummers costume Jason wore during a parade after the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024 For Martin, any rivalry between the shows is a mummer’s farce (that is, foolish). James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mummer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mummer. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: a person who celebrates a holiday by making merry in disguise
2
: actor

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