Search Dictionary
Definition of flummery

flummery

/ˈflʌm.ə.ɹi/
flum · mer · y
Plural:flummeries
JUMP TO:

flummery Lexical Profile

flummery Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Empty compliments, pretentious nonsense, or meaningless talk.

Example

"The veteran journalist dismissed the politician's elaborate speech as pure flummery."

2

British A sweet, soft pudding or jelly historically made from boiled oatmeal or flour and later prepared with milk, eggs, sugar, and fruit flavorings.

Example

"For the historical banquet, the chef prepared a traditional blackberry flummery served with heavy cream."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flummery
Antonyms
View all antonyms for flummery

• Rhymes for flummery

• Nearby Words

fluky
flulike
flume
flummery
flummox
flump
flunk

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Welsh llymru, meaning a sour oatmeal jelly, derived from llym ('sharp' or 'sour'). The figurative sense of 'empty talk' developed in the 18th century by analogy with the light, insubstantial nature of the pudding.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flummery. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flummery
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.