duller; dullest
1
: not exciting or interesting : boring
a dull lecture/speaker
There's never a dull moment in our house. [=our house is always very busy or exciting]
2
: having an edge or point that is not sharp
a dull [=blunt] knife
a dull pencil
3
of a sound
: not clear and loud
the dull roar of the crowd
He heard a dull [=muffled] thud.
4
of pain
: constant but not sharp or severe
She complained of a dull ache/pain in her knee.
5
: not shiny
The paint has a dull finish.
The dog had no appetite and its eyes were dull.
6
: not sunny : having a lot of clouds
a dull winter sky
7
: slightly grayish or dark : not bright
a dull light
The sky was a dull blue.
8
old-fashioned
: stupid or slow in understanding something
a dull student
9
: not having a lot of business or financial activity
a dull [=slow, sluggish] market
dulls; dulled; dulling
: to become dull or to make (something) dull: such as
a
: to become or cause (something) to become less clear, distinct, bright, or shiny
Fog dulled the morning sunlight.
Special earplugs dulled the sound of the chain saw.
His hair dulled as he aged.
The dog's eyes dulled as he got sick.
b
: to make (something, such as a feeling) less sharp, strong, or severe
She takes medicine to dull the pain.
Fear dulled his need for adventure.
(formal) Her mind was dulled by the medication.
c
: to become or cause (something, such as a knife or blade) to become less sharp
The knife was dulled from use.
The blade should be replaced as soon as it dulls.
Cite this Entry
“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dull. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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