hugger-mugger

1 of 2

noun

hug·​ger-mug·​ger ˈhə-gər-ˌmə-gər How to pronounce hugger-mugger (audio)

hugger-mugger

2 of 2

adjective

1
: secret
2
: of a confused or disorderly nature : jumbled
hugger-mugger adverb

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hugger-mugger was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near hugger-mugger

Cite this Entry

“Hugger-mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hugger-mugger. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hugger-mugger

noun
hug·​ger-mug·​ger
ˈhəg-ər-ˌməg-ər
1
2
: a disorderly jumble
hugger-mugger adjective
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