nerd

play
noun \ˈnərd\

Definition of nerd

  1. :  an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially :  one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits <computer nerds>

nerdiness

play \ˈnər-dē-nəs\ noun

nerdish

play \ˈnər-dish\ adjective

nerdy

play \-dē\ adjective

Examples of nerd in a sentence

  1. He dresses like a nerd.

  2. <was such a nerd in college that she spent Saturday nights at the library>

Origin and Etymology of nerd

perhaps from nerd, a creature in the children's book If I Ran the Zoo (1950) by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)


First Known Use: 1951


NERD Defined for English Language Learners

nerd

play
noun \ˈnərd\

Definition of nerd for English Language Learners

  • : a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc.

  • : a person who is very interested in technical subjects, computers, etc.


NERD Defined for Kids

nerd

play
noun \ˈnərd\

Definition of nerd for Students

  1. 1 :  a person who is socially awkward, unattractive, or not fashionable

  2. 2 :  a person who is extremely interested in technical or intellectual subjects

nerdy

\ˈnər-dē\ adjective


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