humpty-dumpty

noun

hump·​ty-dump·​ty

¦həm(p)tē¦dəm(p)tē,

-ti … ti

plural -es

often capitalized H&D

: something that once damaged can never be repaired or made operative again

the exchange crisis … that brought the Humpty-Dumpty of currency stabilization tumbling

—Atlantic

people fled into their suddenly Humpty-Dumpty world

—Robert O'Brien

Word History

Etymology

after Humpty-Dumpty, egg-shaped nursery-rhyme character who fell from a wall and broke into bits

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for humpty-dumpty

• humpty