Enoch Arden

noun

Enoch Ar·​den

¦ēnə̇¦kärdᵊn,

-nē¦k-,

-kȧd-

: a person missing and believed dead usually through no fault of his own who subsequently is found alive

Word History

Etymology

after Enoch Arden, hero of the poem Enoch Arden (1864) by Tennyson

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now