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

Regardless, this set off another debate of whether Sink is Rachel Cole Alves, a redheaded Punisher partner, Typhoid Mary, a lower-tier Marvel villain, or Jean Grey, one of the most important X-Men there is. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Jeb recognized his new Typhoid Mary status with portions of the base and pivoted quickly. — W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2023

Here, the Series 4 card in question is Luke Cage, who prevents Typhoid Mary from poisoning your other cards. — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2023

The same display tells the story of Typhoid Mary, with a subtle sermon buried underneath. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, 8 Oct. 2021

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

Rhymes for Typhoid Mary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary