Darby and Joan

noun

Dar·​by and Joan ˌdär-bē-ən-ˈjōn How to pronounce Darby and Joan (audio)
British
: a happily married usually elderly couple

Word History

Etymology

probably from Darby & Joan, couple in an 18th century song

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Darby and Joan was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near Darby and Joan

Cite this Entry

“Darby and Joan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Darby%20and%20Joan. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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