nursery rhyme

noun

: a short rhyme for children that often tells a story

Examples of nursery rhyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Frank Carter, the infamous killer who lured his child victims to their windows with a Freddy Kreuger-esque nursery rhyme has been behind bars for a quarter century. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 This 1920s hooked rug serves as a piece of American folk art and its pastoral nursery rhyme scene lends the right amount of charm. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 Here’s what to watch this week—from a video about playing on the beach to a classic nursery rhyme that has been teaching kids the names of animals for generations. — Parents, 14 Aug. 2026 New baby 3, fifth draft… In between, much hand-wringing, catastrophising, drinking of wine, learning of nursery rhymes. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nursery rhyme

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nursery rhyme was in 1807

Rhymes for nursery rhyme

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Browse Nearby Words

nurseryman
nursery rhyme
nursery school
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nursery rhyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nursery%20rhyme. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nursery rhyme

noun
: a short rhyme for children that often tells a story

More from Merriam-Webster on nursery rhyme

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nursery rhyme

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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