Typhoid Mary

noun

plural Typhoid Marys
: one that is by force of circumstances a center from which something undesirable spreads
the Typhoid Marys of the epidemics

Examples of Typhoid Mary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photo: Everett Collection Nearly killed in a motorcycle accident, a young woman (adult-film star Marilyn Chambers) receives an experimental surgery that transforms her into a 20th-century Typhoid Mary, unleashing a zombie plague via a pulsing stinger in her armpit. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 Jeb recognized his new Typhoid Mary status with portions of the base and pivoted quickly. — W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner, 1 Mar. 2023 Here, the Series 4 card in question is Luke Cage, who prevents Typhoid Mary from poisoning your other cards. — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2023 In the sense that Typhoid Mary should have been proud, or Oppenheimer. — Dennard Dayle, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for Typhoid Mary

Word History

Etymology

Typhoid Mary, nickname of Mary Mallon †1938 Irish cook in U.S. who was found to be a typhoid carrier

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Typhoid Mary was in 1931

Rhymes for Typhoid Mary

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Browse Nearby Words

typhoid fly
Typhoid Mary
Typhon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Typhoid Mary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Typhoid%20Mary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Typhoid Mary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Typhoid Mary

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