Walter Mitty
noun
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The original "Walter Mitty" was created by humorist James Thurber, who wrote the famous story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." In Walter's real life, he is a reticent, henpecked proofreader befuddled by everyday life. But in his fantasies, Walter imagines himself as various daring and heroic characters. Thurber's popular story, which was first published in The New Yorker in 1939, was later made into a movie. Walter Mitty has since become the eponym for dreamers who imagine themselves in dramatic or heroic situations.
Examples of Walter Mitty in a Sentence
Emily Blackwood, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Behind the scenes, Stiller has left his mark as a director on films like The Cable Guy (1996) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013).
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 July 2025
Dead To Me alum Linda Cardellini has signed on for a lead role in DTF St. Louis, a seven-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Jason Bateman and David Harbour from writer, director, showrunner and executive producer Steve Conrad (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Patriot).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Described as a darkly comedic limited series, DTF St. Louis comes from showrunner, writer, director and executive producer Steven Conrad (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Patriot).
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) The film that Stiller the director was always meant to make.
—Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024
Over the years, 179 Sullivan Street has played host to other famous residents including The O.C. actress Mischa Barton, as well as screenwriter Steven Conrad, best known for The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013).
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Walter Mitty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Walter%20Mitty. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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