1
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf people
the deaf community
also
: of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf culture
deaf education
2
: unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded
… when men are determined on mutiny, they are deaf to reason.—
Washington Irving
Washington IrvingExamples of deaf in a Sentence
He has been deaf since birth.
She's completely deaf in her right ear.
He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up.
Recent Examples on the Web
Backed by strong ties to deaf communities, Signapse targets a $500 million serviceable market, expanding beyond BSL and ASL toward 300+ sign languages.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The story of this deaf and blind puppy is a reminder that every animal, regardless of its challenges, deserves love and a safe home.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The In Cold Light star, who made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Oscar for his supporting role in CODA, portrays Joe Mancuso, the head of the criminal underworld.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025
America's Next Top Model winner Nyle DiMarco became the first (and so far only) deaf celebrity to win any global version of the DWTS franchise, taking the season 22 title with Peta Murgatroyd.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deaf
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Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The story of this deaf and blind puppy is a reminder that every animal, regardless of its challenges, deserves love and a safe home.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The In Cold Light star, who made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Oscar for his supporting role in CODA, portrays Joe Mancuso, the head of the criminal underworld.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025
America's Next Top Model winner Nyle DiMarco became the first (and so far only) deaf celebrity to win any global version of the DWTS franchise, taking the season 22 title with Peta Murgatroyd.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deaf
Cite this Entry
“Deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deaf. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deaf
adjective1
: wholly or partly unable to hear
2
: unwilling to hear or listen
deaf to all suggestions
deafness
noun
Medical Definition
deaf
adjective
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf adults
also
: of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf education
deafness
noun
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