Search Dictionary
Definition of fume

fume

/fjuːm/
fume

Adverb:fumingly
•
Plural:fumes
•
Adjective:fumy
•
Past Simple:fumed
•
Past Participle:fumed
•
Present Participle:fuming
JUMP TO:

fume Lexical Profile

fume Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A gas, smoke, or vapor that smells strongly or is potentially dangerous to inhale (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The exhaust fumes from the idling buses made it difficult to breathe on the narrow city street."


2

A state of intense, typically silent, anger or irritation.

Example

"He stomped out of the negotiating room in a fume after his proposal was swiftly rejected."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fume

• verb

1

To feel, show, or express intense, often suppressed anger.

Example

"She sat at her desk and fumed over the unfair critique she had received from the manager."


2

To emit or exhale smoke, vapor, or gas.

Example

"The volatile chemical mixture began to bubble and fume the moment it was exposed to the air."


3

To treat wood, particularly oak, with ammonia fumes to darken its color.

Example

"The craftsman decided to fume the oak panels to give them a rich, antique finish."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fume

• Rhymes for fume

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'fum', from Old French 'fum', originating from Latin 'fumus' meaning 'smoke, steam, or vapor'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fume. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fume
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.