numbskull

noun

numb·​skull ˈnəm-ˌskəl 

variants or less commonly numskull

1

: a dull or stupid person : dunce

2

: a thick or muddled head

Examples of numbskull in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By contrast, the Bowdens act like complete numbskulls in this episode of Cape Fear because the plot requires them to do so. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Pile on top of this the sharp and public criticism—Trump has called Powell a numbskull, stubborn, and stupid—and any nominee to replace Powell would seem like a shoo-in. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 May 2026

For me, that will always be the realest Drake, an honest-to-a-fault, bitchy numbskull that could make songs full of small, personal moments feel universal. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 May 2026

David and Tatro don’t have enough moments together as father and son, though Tatro is enjoyable throughout as the posturing numbskull Jimmy Boy. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

numb entry 1 + skull entry 1

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for numbskull

• seagull
• cull
• dull
• gul
• gull
• lull
• null
• scull
• skull
• stull
• trull
• tulle

Kids Definition

numbskull

variant of numskull