dumdum

1 of 2

noun (1)

dum·​dum ˈdəm-ˌdəm How to pronounce dumdum (audio)
: a bullet (such as one with a hollow point) that expands more than usual upon hitting an object

dum-dum

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a stupid person : dummy

Examples of dumdum in a Sentence

Noun (2) he's no dum-dum—he made his first million by 25
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But Williams, often shirtless (and that’s not a bad thing), gets laughs as a dum-dum who speaks in a very high, piping voice. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 14 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dumdum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Dum Dum, arsenal near Calcutta, India

Noun (2)

reduplication of dumb entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1919, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dumdum was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near dumdum

Cite this Entry

“Dumdum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dumdum. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on dumdum

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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