merry-andrew

noun

mer·​ry-an·​drew ˌmer-ē-ˈan-(ˌ)drü How to pronounce merry-andrew (audio)
often capitalized M&A
: a person who clowns publicly

Word History

Etymology

merry + Andrew, proper name

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merry-andrew was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near merry-andrew

Cite this Entry

“Merry-andrew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merry-andrew. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on merry-andrew

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!