like mad

phrase

: to an extreme degree
spending like mad
working like mad to get the job done on time

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of like mad was in 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Like mad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/like%20mad. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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