murphy

[ mur-fee ]

/ ˈmɜr fi /

Slang.

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See synonyms for murphy on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural mur·phies.

an Irish or white potato.

any of various confidence games in which a victim is left with a sealed envelope supposedly containing money, but which contains only newspaper or scrap paper cut to the same size as paper money.

verb (used with object), mur·phied, mur·phy·ing.

to victimize or dupe in such a manner.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of murphy

First recorded in 1805–15; special uses of Murphy, a typical Irish surname

Words nearby murphy

Murmansk, murmur, murmuration, murmurous, Murom, murphy, Murphy bed, Murphy-O'Connor, Murphy's Law, murra, murragh

Other definitions for murphy (2 of 2)

Murphy

[ mur-fee ]

/ ˈmɜr fi /

noun

Frank, 1890–1949, U.S. statesman and jurist: associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court 1940–49.

Isaac, 1861–96, U.S. thoroughbred racehorse jockey.

William Par·ry

[par-ee], /ˈpær i/, 1892–1987, U.S. physician: Nobel Prize in medicine 1934.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use murphy in a sentence

What people should never throw onto their soils, Murphy emphasizes, is cat or dog poop, because both animals can shed harmful parasites.
What you can do to improve soils|Catherine Arnold|February 25, 2021|Science News For Students
Murphy has taken a lead on the matter and last year wrote three studies related to college athletes’ rights.
Democrats introduce most progressive plan yet to help college athletes earn money|Rick Maese|February 4, 2021|Washington Post
If we’re being fair, the same could be said of Murphy’s three nominated shows and films, though each found popularity with enthusiastic fans.
Nominees (and 2 winners) for 2021 Golden Globes announced|Troy Masters|February 3, 2021|Washington Blade
Which still doesn’t explain why they preferred The Prom to Murphy’s far superior 2020 theater adaptation, The Boys in the Band.
The 11 Weirdest Golden Globe Nominations—And What Should Have Been Nominated Instead|Eliana Dockterman|February 3, 2021|Time

The National Zoo’s Komodo is called Murphy, the sort of name you might give to a yellow Lab.
The National Zoo’s wild naming inspiration, from Billy Joel to the Golden Girls|John Kelly|January 25, 2021|Washington Post
I watched SNL—the Eddie Murphy generation—and also SCTV with Rick Moranis.
Coffee Talk with Fred Armisen: On ‘Portlandia,’ Meeting Obama, and Taylor Swift’s Greatness|Marlow Stern|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
There was The Brittany Murphy Story, dubbed a “colossal mess” by reviewers.
The Biggest Bombs of 2014: ‘Sex Tape,’ Mariah Carey’s Vocals, ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and More|Kevin Fallon|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Eddie Murphy opened the doors for other black actors—and black comics—who are now seeing a major amount of play in films.
Idris Elba on Eric Garner, ‘Mi Mandela,’ and Selling Weed to Dave Chappelle|Marlow Stern|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Historians will be reassured that there is a historical Murphy.
Are You There, Nobody? It’s Me, Margaret|Candida Moss|October 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Murphy took him under his wing, and one day he gave Rock To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With.
Why Comedians Still Think Bill Cosby Is a Genius|Mark Whitaker|October 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Murphy was kill-crazy, and tonight the Monitor rifle in his hands had made him feel like a god.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Delancy caught it with one arm and a belly and passed it back through the door to Squid Murphy who was standing just outside.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
He was twisted around in the front seat, looking over the heads of Squid Murphy and the two other gunsels in the back seat.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Once free of the ridges and in the open fields the way was easy, and Murphy could lend a hand to the others.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
His gloved fingers closed on Squid Murphy and the killer called Shiv simultaneously.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various

British Dictionary definitions for murphy (1 of 2)

murphy

/ (ˈmɜːfɪ) /

noun plural -phies

a dialect or informal word for potato

Word Origin for murphy

C19: from the common Irish surname Murphy

British Dictionary definitions for murphy (2 of 2)

Murphy

/ (ˈmɜːfɪ) /

noun

Alex. born 1939, English rugby league player and coach; scored 16 tries in 27 test matches for Great Britain (1958–71)

Eddie, full name Edward Regan Murphy . born 1951, US film actor and comedian. His films include 48 Hours (1982), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Coming to America (1988), Dr Dolittle (1998), and, as a voice artist, the Shrek series of animated films (2001–10)

William Parry. 1892–1987, US physician: with G. R. Minot, he discovered the liver treatment for anaemia and they shared, with G. H. Whipple, the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1934

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

murphy

Origin of murphy

Words nearby murphy

Other definitions for murphy (2 of 2)

Words related to murphy

How to use murphy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for murphy (1 of 2)

Word Origin for murphy

British Dictionary definitions for murphy (2 of 2)