Mamma mia

interjection

Mam·​ma mia ˈmä-mə-ˈmē-ə How to pronounce Mamma mia (audio)
—used to express strong feeling (such as pleasure or surprise)
Mamma mia! My deepest wish has come true. I have a son!—R. Eugene Jackson

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian mammamìa, mamma mia, exclamation expressing annoyance, fatigue, fear, etc., literally "my mother!"

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mamma mia was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near Mamma mia

mammalogy

Mamma mia

mammary

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Cite this Entry

“Mamma mia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mamma%20mia. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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