dumdum

1 of 2

noun (1)

dum·​dum ˈdəm-ˌdəm 

: 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)

ˈdəm-ˌdəm 

: a stupid person : dummy

Synonyms of dumdum

Noun (2)

• idiot
• moron
• stupid

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

In the movie’s early scenes, while Buckley’s Agnes is busy tossing her hair in witch-of-the-woods fashion, his William is a truly believable lovestruck dum-dum. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 Nov. 2025

Somewhere out there was a family of blond dum-dums who inexplicably ended up with a brunette genius. — Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

As such, the political commentary goes too broad, accusing the public of being dum-dums and filing the tired charge that politicians are phony. — Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025

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

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