mom-and-pop adjective 1mom and pop noun 1forms 4 adjective1 •(US, Canada) Small and unsophisticated, typically because operated by a couple or a family.Mom-and-pop diners are disappearing from American streets and being replaced by bland corporate giants. mom and pop noun1 •(informal) A small business, often but not always owned or operated by a family. formsMom and Pops · Mom-and-Pops · mom and pops · mom-and-pops