Darby and Joan

noun

Dar·​by and Joan ˌdär-bē-ən-ˈjōn How to pronounce Darby and Joan (audio)
British
: a happily married usually elderly couple

Word History

Etymology

probably from Darby & Joan, couple in an 18th century song

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Darby and Joan was in 1760

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Cite this Entry

“Darby and Joan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Darby%20and%20Joan. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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