bonehead

[ bohn-hed ]

noun

1. a foolish or stupid person; blockhead.

adjective

1. being of, by, or for a stupid or unthinking person:

   a bonehead mistake.

bonehead

/ ˈbəʊnˌhɛd /

noun

1. slang.
   a stupid or obstinate person

Derived Forms

• ˌboneˈheaded, adjective

Other Words From

• boneheaded adjective
• boneheaded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonehead¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; bone ( def ) + head

Example Sentences

He called Fed officials “boneheads” and implied that Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, was an “enemy” of America for keeping rates too high.

From New York Times

“But I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m just making so many bonehead mistakes.”

From Seattle Times

A classic line from a baseball movie aptly characterizes a bonehead play committed by some Democratic state legislators.

From Los Angeles Times

"So if you meet a far-right, neo-fascist bonehead who looks out of place here, the critical question you must ask that person is: 'Would you like a Welsh cake?'"

From BBC

“There are guys who have lots of experience who made bonehead plays in the playoffs,” Van Noy said.

From Los Angeles Times