merry men: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (historical/literary reference, occasional figurative use)Literary, historical, figurative, occasionally informal/humorous
Quick answer
What does “merry men” mean?
Historically, the band of outlaws loyal to Robin Hood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Historically, the band of outlaws loyal to Robin Hood; figuratively, a group of loyal, often jovial, companions or followers, especially those united by a common, sometimes rebellious, purpose.
Any close-knit group of comrades, associates, or subordinates who share a bond of loyalty, camaraderie, and often a sense of adventure or shared purpose, sometimes outside established authority. The term now often carries a lighthearted, jovial, or slightly roguish connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is more culturally embedded in British English due to the Robin Hood legend being part of British folklore. In American English, it is primarily a literary/historical reference.
Connotations
British: Stronger historical/cultural resonance; can be used with a wry, knowing tone. American: More purely a literary allusion; the 'rebellious' connotation might be slightly more prominent.
Frequency
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British media, literature, or casual figurative speech.
Grammar
How to Use “merry men” in a Sentence
[Subject] and his/her/their merry mena band/group/gang of merry menVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merry men” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The legend tells of Robin Hood and his merry men robbing from the rich in Sherwood Forest.
- After the meeting, the manager and his merry men headed to the local for a pint.
American English
- The film's depiction of the merry men focused on their archery skills.
- The startup founder rallied her merry men to work through the weekend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used humorously or ironically to refer to a close team of executives or employees working on a project, e.g., 'The CEO and his merry men unveiled the new strategy.'
Academic
Primarily in historical, literary, or cultural studies discussing the Robin Hood ballads or medieval outlaw myths.
Everyday
Figurative, often humorous, to describe one's group of friends or colleagues on an outing or mission, e.g., 'I'm off to the pub with my merry men.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “merry men”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “merry men”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merry men”
- Using it in the singular ('a merry man') – it is exclusively plural.
- Using it without an implied leader or cohesive group identity.
- Overusing it in formal contexts where it may seem flippant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, no. In modern figurative use, it is sometimes playfully adapted to 'merry men and women' or used generically to refer to a mixed-gender group, though this slightly alters the fixed phrase.
It is primarily literary, historical, or informal. Using it in formal writing (outside of historical analysis) would likely be considered stylistically marked or humorous.
Treating it as a literal description of happy individuals rather than recognising it as a fixed cultural reference to a loyal group, often with a leader.
All modern uses are ultimately allusions to the Robin Hood legend. Even in a business context ('the CEO's merry men'), the listener understands the reference to the archetypal loyal band of followers.
Historically, the band of outlaws loyal to Robin Hood.
Merry men: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛri men/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛri mɛn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (the phrase itself is idiomatic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ROBIN HOOD in a cheerful (MERRY) mood with his loyal MEN. The 'M's connect: Merry Men Make Merry Mayhem.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODERN GROUP IS ROBIN HOOD'S BAND (mapping camaraderie, shared purpose, and mild rebellion onto a contemporary team).
Practice
Quiz
In modern figurative use, 'merry men' primarily conveys a sense of: