Typhoid Mary

noun

plural Typhoid Marys
: one that is by force of circumstances a center from which something undesirable spreads
the Typhoid Marys of the epidemics

Examples of Typhoid Mary 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.
The same display tells the story of Typhoid Mary, with a subtle sermon buried underneath. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, 8 Oct. 2021 And take a lesson from the mistakes of Typhoid Mary: Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, for a minimum of 20 seconds. — Sandee Lamotte and Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 7 July 2020

Word History

Etymology

Typhoid Mary, nickname of Mary Mallon †1938 Irish cook in U.S. who was found to be a typhoid carrier

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Typhoid Mary was in 1931

Rhymes for Typhoid Mary

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Browse Nearby Words

typhoid fly
Typhoid Mary
Typhon
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Cite this Entry

“Typhoid Mary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Typhoid%20Mary. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Typhoid Mary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Typhoid Mary

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