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hop-o'-my-thumb

noun

: a very small person

Word History

Etymology

earlier hop on my thumb, imperative issued to one supposedly small enough to be held in the hand

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hop-o'-my-thumb was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hop-o'-my-thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hop-o%27-my-thumb. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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