Definition of gullible
: easily duped or cheated selling overpriced souvenirs to gullible tourists
gullible was our Word of the Day on 07/30/2011. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of gullible in a Sentence
I'm not gullible enough to believe something that outrageous.
They sell overpriced souvenirs to gullible tourists.
Did You Know?
A recent commenter on our Web site asked, "Is gullibility a word"? Yes, it's entered as a run-on at our entry for "gullible," along with "gullibly." All three of these words descend from the verb gull, meaning "to deceive or take advantage of." The verb "gull" was borrowed into English from Anglo-French in the mid-16th century. Another relative is the noun "gull," referring to a person who is easy to cheat - no relation to the familiar word for a sea bird, which is of Celtic origin.
Origin and Etymology of gullible
see 2gull
First Known Use: 1818
GULLIBLE Defined for English Language Learners
gullible
playDefinition of gullible for English Language Learners
-
: easily fooled or cheated; especially : quick to believe something that is not true
GULLIBLE Defined for Kids
gullible
playDefinition of gullible for Students
: easily fooled or cheated
Learn More about gullible
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gullible Spanish Central: Translation of gullible Nglish: Translation of gullible for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of gullible for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up gullible? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).















Writing? Check your grammar now!