Foundation level · Year 4 · free
chum
noun · Say it: CHUM
What it means
Foundationa close friend
Harry and his chum Jack spent the whole holiday building sandcastles at the seaside.
Similar and opposite words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- buddy
- friend
- mate
- pal
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- enemy
More examples
- My old chum from nursery came to my birthday party on Saturday.
Where the word comes from
It was first used by students in the 1600s, possibly short for 'chamber-fellow', a roommate.
Try a quick question
One question about “chum”, the way 11+ papers ask it (Foundation level).