face-palm

verb

ˈfās-ˌpä(l)m 

-ˌpȯ(l)m

variants or less commonly facepalm

face-palmed also facepalmed; face-palming also facepalming; face-palms also facepalms

intransitive verb

: to cover one's face with the hand as an expression of embarrassment, dismay, or exasperation

But her body language was not good from the start on Saturday. She face-palmed after missing one forehand early, then shook her head after another errant shot.

—Jeff Hartsell

facepalm noun

or less commonly face-palm

There's a kind of facepalm moment in the terrific pilot episode of Amazon's terrific new series Transparent when you realize that the title is a pun.

—Phil Maciak

Examples of face-palm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the face-palming concept that opened the floodgates of disgrace? —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025

The pic spawned a 1982 kitchen-sink sequel that brought most of the band back together and continued the knee-slapping or face-palming punchlines, unrepentant sight gags and inexpressive line readings — fourth wall be damned. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2024

The comment went viral, with American players such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and, yes, Booker (who tweeted a face-palm emoji) sharing their disagreement on social media. —Sam Amick, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024

Jamala, who is currently in Australia, reacted to the news by posting a picture of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House on Instagram with a face-palm emoji superimposed. —Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker kept his reaction simple, leaving a face-palm emoji in the comments alongside his peers. —Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 28 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1996, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for face-palm

• diatom
• intercom
• aplomb
• balaam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom