Main Entry: ¹dumb

Pronunciation: \ˈdəm\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German tumb mute

Date: before 12th century

1 a : lacking the human power of speech <dumb animals> b of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2 : temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) <struck dumb with fear>
3 : not expressed in uttered words <dumb grief>
4 : silent; also : taciturn
5 : lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment; especially : having no means of self-propulsion <a dumb barge>
6 a : lacking intelligence : stupid b : showing a lack of intelligence <asking dumb questions> c : requiring no intelligence <dumb luck>
7 : not having the capability to process data <a dumb terminal> — compare intelligent 3a

synonyms see stupid

— dumb·ly \ˈdəm-lē\ adverb

— dumb·ness noun

usage There is evidence that, when applied to persons who cannot speak, dumb has come to be considered offensive.