The larger the number involved, the better the occasion. For example, John's invited all his family to come along, and why not? The more the merrier. This expression was first recorded in 1530, when it was put as “The more the merrier; the fewer, the better fare” (meaning “with fewer there would be more to eat”), an observation that made its way into numerous proverb collections.
see more the merrier.
“The more the merrier” is often used to welcome those who wish to participate in an activity but hesitate to join in uninvited.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’m excited about all the guys. I think you just take the more the merrier the mindset.”
From Seattle Times • Jun. 10, 2021
“I think the more the merrier, the more the better in these debates and out there in the arena,” said Palin, 47.
From BusinessWeek • Aug. 13, 2011
“I think the more the merrier, the more the better in these debates and out there in the arena,” Palin said.
From BusinessWeek • Aug. 12, 2011
The Pollyannas say the more the merrier; the Cassandras say that is already twice as many as can be supported in middle-class comfort, and the world is running out of arable land and fresh water.
From Time Magazine Archive
The more the merrier; the fewer the better cheer.
From Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases With a Copious Index of Principal Words by Preston, Thomas
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.
