simpleton

noun

sim·​ple·​ton ˈsim-pəl-tən How to pronounce simpleton (audio)
: a person lacking in common sense

Examples of simpleton in a Sentence

The instructions were so complicated I felt like a complete simpleton. his silly antics at office parties have earned him a reputation as a simpleton
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gamble, seeing there was no way to get anywhere with the chancellor playing the simpleton, opened the floor to softball questions. Thomas Meaney, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 His competition was Forrest Gump, a feel-good studio drama that located America’s soul in a sweet simpleton played by Tom Hanks. Michael Schulman, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2023 Redmayne plays a creep; Henry, a yearner; Keoghan, a simpleton. Glenn Whippcolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2023 Keoghan’s village simpleton, who becomes a poor substitute friend for Farrell’s character, is both delightfully weird and gradually gutting as the traumas of his upbringing become clearer. Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for simpleton

Word History

Etymology

simple entry 1 + -ton (as in surnames such as Washington)

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simpleton was circa 1630

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simpleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simpleton. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

simpleton

noun
sim·​ple·​ton ˈsim-pəl-tən How to pronounce simpleton (audio)
: a person lacking in common sense

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