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dunce cap

noun

Definition of dunce cap

: a conical cap formerly used as a punishment for slow learners at school

— called also dunce's cap

Examples of dunce cap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The dunce caps and playground taunts briefly swiped the headlines from the other pressing NASCAR playoff hot topics, such as spoiler tape, encumbered finishes , driver twitter spats and lugnuts. — USA TODAY, "Logano forced to watch practice as part of NASCAR punishment," 23 Sep. 2017 But only a fool with a fetish for dunce caps would pick against Bill and Brady in Week 1. — Jim Derry, NOLA.com, "NFL Picks Week 1: Saints defy logic, win opener at Minnesota," 4 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dunce cap.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dunce cap

1840, in the meaning defined above

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Dictionary Entries near dunce cap

Duncan Phyfe

Duncanville

dunce

dunce cap

duncery

dunch

duncical

Statistics for dunce cap

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Time Traveler for dunce cap

The first known use of dunce cap was in 1840

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More from Merriam-Webster on dunce cap

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with dunce cap

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