hop-o'-my-thumb

noun

ˌhä-pə-mə-ˈthəm How to pronounce hop-o'-my-thumb (audio)
Synonyms of hop-o'-my-thumbnext
: a very small person

Word History

Etymology

earlier hop on my thumb, imperative issued to one supposedly small enough to be held in the hand

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hop-o'-my-thumb was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near hop-o'-my-thumb

hop mildew

hop-o'-my-thumb

hop oil

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Hop-o'-my-thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hop-o%27-my-thumb. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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