chum

Noun

1. (dated) A friend; a pal.
2. (dated) A roommate, especially in a college or university.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To share rooms with someone; to live together.
2. (transitive) To lodge (somebody) with another person or people.
3. (intransitive) To make friends; to socialize.
4. (Scotland, informal, transitive) To accompany.

Verb

To cast chum into the water to attract fish.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/t͡ʃʌm/

Etymology

1675–85; of uncertain origin, possibly from cham, shortening of chambermate, or from comrade. Less likely from Welsh cymrawd (“fellow”), compare brawd (“brother”).

Synonyms

pal

buddy

friend

crony

comrade

sidekick

companion

mate

🧉

close friend

chum salmon

brother

👨‍👦

intimate friend

bosom buddy

fellow

chuck

Oncorhynchus keta

partner

playmate

schoolfellow

schoolmate

true friend

yokefellow

faithful friend

chummery

very dear friend

roomate

alumni

dear friend

associate

bloke

boy

👦

butty

chap

classmate

confidant

consort

dude

fella

helpmate

helpmeet

hombre

jack

knave