molly

¹

[ mol-ee ]

noun

, plural mol·lies.

1. any of certain livebearing freshwater fishes of the genus Poecilia (formerly Mollienisia ), popular in home aquariums.

molly

²

[ mol-ee ]

noun

, plural mol·lies.

1. a type of expansion bolt having a split, sleevelike sheath threaded at one end so that when inserted snugly into masonry the turning of the bolt draws the ends of the sheath together, thus spreading the sides.

molly

³

[ mol-ee ]

noun

, Slang.

1. Often Molly. MDMA ( def ).
2. any amphetamine.

molly

⁴

[ mol-ee myool ]

noun

1. a female mule.

Molly

⁵

[ mol-ee ]

noun

1. a female given name, form of Mary or Milicent.

molly

¹

/ ˈmɒlɪ /

noun

1. any brightly coloured tropical or subtropical American freshwater cyprinodont fish of the genus Mollienisia

molly

²

/ ˈmɒlɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   an effeminate, weak, or cowardly boy or man

Word History and Origins

Origin of molly¹

First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from New Latin Mollienisia, named after French statesman Count F. N. Mollien (1758–1850); -ia

Origin of molly²

First recorded in 1930–35; formerly a trademark

Origin of molly³

First recorded in 1975–80; origin uncertain; perhaps a shortening of black molly, a tropical aquarium fish supposedly resembling the black pills; other authorities suggest it is a shortening and alteration of molecule ( def )

Origin of molly⁴

First recorded in 1980–85; generic use of the proper name

Word History and Origins

Origin of molly¹

C19: from New Latin Mollienisia, from Comte F. N. Mollien (1758–1850), French statesman

Origin of molly²

C18: perhaps from Molly , pet name for Mary

Example Sentences

Campaign group the Molly Rose Foundation welcomed what it called an "important marker for Ofcom to be bolder" but said that should not obscure the fact that the OSA needed to be strengthened.

From BBC

Reporting from the scene, BBC News journalist Molly Brewer said she she could see a green bike lying on the ground.

From BBC

When you think of the English tradition of Morris dancing, you might not picture a group of young, gender non-conforming, drag kings who dress like "chimney sweeps" - but that will be because you've not seen Molly No-Mates.

From BBC

Scarlett feels Molly No-Mates is part of the "cultural moment" Morris is experiencing, and points to last year's Brit Awards where Stroud-based group Boss Morris danced on stage with Wet Leg, who won Best New Artist and Group of the Year.

From BBC

Molly No-Mates, which formed in May 2023 in north Bristol, had just two members when it started - hence the "no-mates".

From BBC