know-nothing

noun

know-noth·​ing ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ How to pronounce know-nothing (audio)
1
2
capitalized K&N : a member of a 19th century secret American political organization hostile to the political influence of recent immigrants and Roman Catholics
know-nothing adjective

Examples of know-nothing in a Sentence

often disparaged her coworkers as a bunch of know-nothings
Recent Examples on the Web That end would be a story not so different from the one told by Miles Davis of his encounter with a know-nothing politician’s wife at a White House reception. Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024 Before appointing Satoshi Morimoto, one of Japan's top national security experts, the current prime minister tapped two know-nothing legislators for the post of defense minister -- a result of paying more attention to party politics than a prospect's ability or vision. Takashi Yokota, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2012 Have these know-nothings asked Hamas for their freedom? Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 May 2024 As soon as these opinions appeared, they were met with online blowback from people who deemed these execs anti-art philistines and know-nothings. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2024 Their rowdy energy is so willfully disreputable, they must be made by a bunch of know-nothing lunkheads. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'know-nothing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of know-nothing was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near know-nothing

Cite this Entry

“Know-nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-nothing. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

know-nothing

noun
know-noth·​ing
ˈnō-ˌnəth-iŋ
: a person who is ignorant : ignoramus
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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