henpeck

verb

hen·​peck ˈhen-ˌpek How to pronounce henpeck (audio)
henpecked; henpecking; henpecks

transitive verb

: to subject (one's spouse or partner) to persistent nagging and domination

Examples of henpeck in a Sentence

my doctor henpecked me into adopting a healthier lifestyle
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.
Laurent Naouri was gravelly but properly pathetic as Cendrillon’s henpecked father; Ying Fang and Maya Lahyani carried off the goofy stepsisters with aplomb. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of henpeck was in 1671

Dictionary Entries Near henpeck

Cite this Entry

“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henpeck. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

henpeck

verb
hen·​peck ˈhen-ˌpek How to pronounce henpeck (audio)
: to nag and boss one's spouse

More from Merriam-Webster on henpeck

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!