many happy returns

Idioms

Also, many happy returns of the day. Happy birthday and many more of them, as in I came by to wish you many happy returns. This expression was first recorded in a letter of 1779 where the writer meant “Happy New Year,” but the present meaning has persisted since the second half of the 1800s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Be careful on those slopes and many happy returns for your wedding.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Happy Birthday to you, Stimson-Green Mansion, and many happy returns.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2023

We wish you and your baby many happy returns — and may all of us find more good news in 2020.

From Washington Post • Dec. 31, 2019

It is her husband Martin’s 49th birthday and the couple can scarcely believe that he has just been wished many happy returns by Pope Francis in a private audience.

From The Guardian • Nov. 5, 2016

In an A.B.C. shop at the corner, later, Gertie raised her large cup and wished Miss Rabbit many happy returns.

From Love at Paddington by Ridge, W. Pett (William Pett)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023