English Explanatory Dictionary

many happy returns

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!

Pronunciation

En-au-many happy returns.ogg

Word forms

many happy returns

Etymology

The earliest attributable use was by Lady Newdigate in a letter written in 1789 (and published in Newdigate-Newdegate Cheverels in 1898): Many happy returns of ye day to us my Dr Love.

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