First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from New Latin Mollienisia, named after French statesman Count F. N. Mollien (1758–1850); see -ia
First recorded in 1930–35; formerly a trademark
First recorded in 1975–80; origin uncertain; perhaps a shortening of black molly, a tropical aquarium fish supposedly resembling the black pills; other authorities suggest it is a shortening and alteration of molecule ( def. )
First recorded in 1980–85; generic use of the proper name
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I founded molly moon’s with the mission of making the world a better place, one scoop at a time.
From Seattle Times • May 10, 2023
Organisms like the salmon and molly that can tolerate a relatively wide range of salinity are referred to as euryhaline organisms.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
To learn more about the enigmatic behavior, Lukas, Krause and their colleagues braved harsh conditions to observe the sulfur molly waves up close.
From Scientific American • Dec. 22, 2021
Merry, molly does not need to hector us, or point out her opinion every time.
From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2016
A few days after molly arrives at Vivian’s, she texts Ralph to let him know where she is.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
