Many-a-Time

"Many-a-time" is an older English expression meaning "many times." It’s still common in Southern and Appalachian storytelling, giving speech a folksy, old-timey rhythm.

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synonyms: often, repeatedly, frequently

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I used 'many-a-time' in regular conversation, and it's something you'll hear around here commonly.

Pronunciation

[MEN-ee uh TAHYM] /ˈmɛn.i ə taɪm/

Meaning & Usage

- Many times; repeatedly (adverbial phrase)

Elmer:

I’ve sat on this porch many-a-time watching the sun go down.

Estel:

And likely will again.

variations: many a time, many times

★ This phrasing gives speech a classic Southern/Appalachian storytelling tone - it’s the same construction you see in old hymns and the King James Bible. ★

Origin

From older British English "many a time," dating to the 16th century. Preserved in Southern/Appalachian speech as a living expression even as it faded elsewhere.

Notes

Widely used in Appalachia and the rural South; now mostly literary or nostalgic elsewhere.
Often appears in storytelling or reminiscing.
Tag under Dialect and Grammar for its distinctive older English structure.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "many-a-time" mean the same as "many times"?

Yes - but it carries an older, more folksy tone.

Is it uniquely Southern?

No - but it’s persistently used in Southern/Appalachian speech where it sounds natural, while elsewhere it’s more literary.

Is it still used today?

Yes, especially among older speakers and in nostalgic or storytelling contexts.