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  • The more the merrier
    The more the merrier
    The more people there are involved in something, the more fun it will be.
  • more the merrier, the
    more the merrier, the
    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.

The more the merrier

Cultural  
  1. The more people there are involved in something, the more fun it will be.


more the merrier, the Idioms  
  1. 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.

  2. see more the merrier.


Discover More

“The more the merrier” is often used to welcome those who wish to participate in an activity but hesitate to join in uninvited.

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.

See Examples For:

The more the merrier is especially true during the holiday season.

From Barron's Dec. 15, 2025

The more the merrier, it's a positive Welsh culture.

From BBC Nov. 17, 2022

Sean Duffy: As the saying goes, "The more the merrier."

From Fox News Dec. 25, 2021

The more, the merrier: For millions of viewers and the many more who grew up on reruns, the Ricardos’ home was home.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 7, 2021

“Blast! I’m not quite sure how all of you ended up here in my house. But I daresay it feels perfectly at home having you about. The more the merrier, I suppose!”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

“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 My Book of Indoor Games by Squareman, Clarence

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