old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' tale

: an often traditional belief that is not based on fact : superstition

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about old wives' tale

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of old wives' tale in a Sentence

Frogs won't give you warts. That's just an old wives' tale. the old wives' tale about the full moon causing people to act crazy

Recent Examples on the Web

Many doctors perceive the use of cod-liver oil for joint pain as an old wives' tale. — Houston Chronicle, "Old wives’ remedy helped arthritis pain," 1 July 2018 When to Go to the Doctor Despite the old wives' tale, cranberry juice will not cure your UTI. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "9 Common UTI Symptoms You Should Never Ignore," 12 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'old wives' tale.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about old wives' tale

Dictionary Entries near old wives' tale

old wives' tale

old-woman's-bitter

Statistics for old wives' tale

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for old wives' tale

The first known use of old wives' tale was in 1572

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for old wives' tale

old wives' tale

noun

English Language Learners Definition of old wives' tale

: a common belief about something that is not based on facts and that is usually false

See the full definition for old wives' tale in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Comments on old wives' tale

What made you want to look up old wives' tale? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games