What does ump mean?
Ump is an informal word closely associated with baseball. As a noun, it means an umpire, especially the official who judges a play at home plate. As a verb, ump means to serve as an umpire or to make an official decision, as in “he umped the game.” As an interjection, ump is a quick substitute for “out,” often used to imitate or report an umpire's ruling: “Ump, you're out!” The word is especially common in North American English but is also used informally in cricket and other sporting contexts. Its direct source is the shortened form of “umpire.” Ump is useful because it captures the speed and informality of sports officiating, while also carrying a distinctly conversational tone that would be unsuitable in formal writing.
An informal term for an umpire, especially a baseball umpire.
"The ump examined the ball and pointed toward fair territory."
Chiefly North American and strongly associated with baseball; it can also refer informally to a cricket umpire.
To serve as an umpire or judge a game or play officially.
"A retired player umped the championship game."
Informal; common in reports of amateur and professional sports.
An informal substitute for an umpire's call of “out.”
"The catcher looked toward the ump, who shouted, “Ump!”"
Primarily used in baseball and often imitates the sound or style of an umpire's ruling.
The plural is informal and is especially used for baseball officials.
"The umps met briefly before the game."
Two letters, one unmistakable ruling: in baseball, “ump!” can settle a play instantly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ump come from?
Ump is a clipping of umpire, a term that entered Middle English from Anglo-French and was ultimately associated with Medieval Latin hompire, meaning a person appointed to judge a dispute. The shortened form became established in American baseball, where it refers both to the official and, as an exclamation, to an “out” call. Its use as a verb developed from the informal sporting sense of officiating.
Related word forms
How ump is actually used
Informal and strongly associated with baseball and other sports. As a noun, it can sound familiar, casual, or mildly dismissive; as an interjection, it is chiefly a shorthand for an umpire's ruling.
Easily confused with ump
Ump is associated with a baseball ruling, while umph is an interjection expressing surprise, hesitation, or disapproval.