dumb

play

adjective \ˈdəm\

Definition of dumb

1a : lacking the human power of speech dumb animalsb of a person, now 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 they were capable of sitting for hours, dumb and unabashed, over their pipes — Ellen Glasgow; also : taciturn
5 : lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment; especially : having no means of self-propulsion a dumb barge
6a : lacking intelligence : stupid pretended to be dumbb : showing a lack of intelligence asking dumb questions a dumb look on his facec : requiring no intelligence dumb luck
7 : not having the capability to process data a dumb terminal — compare intelligent 3a

dumbly

play \ˈdəm-lē\ adverb

dumbness

noun

See dumb defined for English-language learners

See dumb defined for kids

Is the use of dumb offensive?

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

Examples of dumb in a sentence

I'm not dumb enough to believe that.
It was a dumb idea in the first place.
He just stood there with a dumb grin on his face.
This is one of the dumbest TV shows I've ever seen.
It was dumb luck that we found this place at all.
His success is just a matter of dumb luck.
He was born deaf and dumb.

Origin and Etymology of dumb

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of dumb

stupid, dull, dense, crass, dumb mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary. stupid students just keeping the seats warm stupid with drink dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. monotonous work that leaves the mind dull dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. too dense to take a hint crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. a crass, materialistic people dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. too dumb to figure out what's going on

dumb

verb

Definition of dumb

transitive verb
: to make silent : deaden would lie around, dumbed by the drugs — Norman Mailer

See dumb defined for English-language learners

Examples of dumb in a sentence

the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

Origin and Etymology of dumb

see ¹dumb

First Known Use: 1607

DUMB Defined for Kids

dumb

play

adjective \ˈdəm\

Definition of dumb for Students

dumber

;

dumbest

1 : lacking the power of human speech dumb animals
2 often offensive : lacking the ability to speak Hint: In the past, this word was not considered offensive when used in this way. In recent years, however, many people have come to find it hurtful, and you may offend someone by using it.
3 : temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or surprise)
4 : stupid 1, foolish There are no dumb questions.