how come

phrase

: how does it happen that : why
How come you can't go?

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of how come was in 1844

Rhymes for how come

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Browse Nearby Words

how can/could
how come
howd
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“How come.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/how%20come. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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