as in error
a false idea or belief
the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale
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Recent Examples of old wives' tale
Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection.
—
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025
Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025
According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree.
—Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025
Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025
According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree.
—Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
Noun
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Kody Clemens scored on an error by five-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Salvador Perez in the second, and Byron Buxton added a sacrifice fly off John Schreiber in the eighth, before the Twins teed off against Royals reliever Steven Cruz in the ninth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Angels center fielder Mike Trout dropped a Kelly fly ball for a two-base error.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hochheiser’s disturbing story belies the myth of Florida as the golden destination for retirees in their sunset years.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, and mothers-to-be are often brimming with questions, many of them, unfortunately, based on myth and superstition.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The other path is pressing on in your delusions, hoping you will eventually be vindicated.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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Several reports find psychosis among those who are addicted and could result in hallucinations, delusions and confusion.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More than a month into open confrontation between Iran, the United States, Israel, and now parts of the Arab Gulf, the illusion of a quick and decisive conflict has collapsed.—
Kazem Kazerounian,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2026
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The next mayor will inherit an enormous burden on Day 1 with no room for illusions.—
Bill Conway,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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