Tweedledum and Tweedledee

noun

Twee·dle·dum and Twee·dle·dee ˌtwē-dᵊl-ˈdəm-ən(d)-ˌtwē-dᵊl-ˈdē

: two individuals or groups that are practically indistinguishable

Examples of Tweedledum and Tweedledee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

They are characterized in costume and farcical manner as Tweedledum and Tweedledee. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

English tweedle to chirp + dum (imitative of a low musical note) & dee (imitative of a high musical note)

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Tweedledum and Tweedledee was in 1725

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tweedledum and Tweedledee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tweedledum%20and%20Tweedledee. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation