# many happy returns

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/many-happy-returns
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Many happy returns on your birthday today.
- I sent a card to my aunt to wish her many happy returns on her birthday.
- As the family gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday, they raised their glasses and wished her many happy returns.

## Origin

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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.