Murphy's Law

noun

: an observation: anything that can go wrong will go wrong

Word History

Etymology

probably from Edward A. Murphy †1990 American engineer

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Murphy's Law was in 1951

Rhymes for Murphy's Law

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Murphy
Murphy's Law
Murphy bed
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Cite this Entry

“Murphy's Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Murphy%27s%20Law. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Murphy's Law

noun
Mur·​phy's Law
ˈmər-fēz-
: an observation that anything that can go wrong will go wrong
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