Tweedledum and Tweedledee

noun

Twee·​dle·​dum and Twee·​dle·​dee ˌtwē-dᵊl-ˈdəm-ən(d)-ˌtwē-dᵊl-ˈdē How to pronounce Tweedledum and Tweedledee (audio)
: two individuals or groups that are practically indistinguishable

Examples of Tweedledum and Tweedledee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Dictionary Entries Near Tweedledum and Tweedledee

Cite this Entry

“Tweedledum and Tweedledee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tweedledum%20and%20Tweedledee. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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