old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' talenext
as in error
a false idea or belief the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of old wives' tale Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025 Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025 According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. — Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
  1. error
  2. myth
  3. delusion
  4. illusion
Noun
  • Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler lead Lakers past the Clippers in an error-prone game.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The two-point difference is within the poll’s margin of error.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Connecticut taxpayers should not be expected to pony up more money to support the myth that UConn football needs a facility like the Big 10 teams.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Importantly, myths and legends are not simply false narratives.
    — Jeffrey Tolbert, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • In contrast to the gorgeous monochrome visuals, this is a land that stinks of complicity and delusion — of opportunists desperate to scramble onto the right side of history.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Their passions and delusions strengthen through their symbiosis.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Some opening day effects are long gone, such as the illusion created by actual shifting doors at the start of the attraction, or visions of tumbling rubble near its beginning.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up in Wyoming’s rugged realities left no illusion that humans are solely in control.
    — Amelia Rose Barlow, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

old-timey
old wives' tale
old wives' tales
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Cite this Entry

“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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