John Henry

noun

John Hen·​ry ˈjän-ˈhen-rē How to pronounce John Henry (audio)
Synonyms of John Henrynext
: an autograph signature

Word History

Etymology

from the name John Henry, from confusion with John Hancock

First Known Use

circa 1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of John Henry was circa 1914

Browse Nearby Words

John Hancock
John Henry
John I
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Cite this Entry

“John Henry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Henry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about John Henry

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