plural humbugs
1
: language or behavior that is false or meant to deceive people
Their claims are humbug.
She's only 30? Humbug!
2
old-fashioned
: someone or something that is not honest or true
He's just an old humbug. [=(more commonly) fraud]
3
British
: a hard peppermint candy
Cite this Entry
“Humbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/humbug. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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