1
a
: extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering compare pond scum sense 2
b
: the scoria of metals in a molten state : dross
c
: a slimy film on a solid or gelatinous object
2
a
: refuse
b
: a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people
-er/-est
1
a
: covered with scum
b
: of the nature of or resembling scum
2
: contemptible, mean, scurvy
Examples of scum in a Sentence
Noun
Boil the chicken and use a spoon to remove any scum that floats to the surface.
claimed that only scum lived in that part of town
Recent Examples on the Web
Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Bathroom sinks are prone to buildup from hair, soap scum, toothpaste, shaving cream, and beauty products.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Jim Newell, Slate Magazine, 18 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for scum
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Noun
The water can leave behind layers of soap scum or limescale, both of which appear as white, chalky stains on drains, faucets, showers, toilets, and more.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Bathroom sinks are prone to buildup from hair, soap scum, toothpaste, shaving cream, and beauty products.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Verb
Lieberman is the scummiest scumbag who ever scummed.
—Jim Newell, Slate Magazine, 18 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for scum
Cite this Entry
“Scum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scum. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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