deaf-and-dumb

[ def-uhn-duhm ]

adjective

, Offensive.

1. deaf-mute ( def 1 ).

deaf-and-dumb

adjective

1. unable to hear or speak

noun

1. a deaf person without speech

Usage

Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts

Sensitive Note

See dumb.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deaf-and-dumb¹

1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb

Example Sentences

Even if he was a deaf-and-dumb mute he understood every word she said to him.

From Literature

Users would love to pick and choose individual shows and have them delivered through applications rather than through deaf-and-dumb multicast streams.

From The Guardian

The milkman told Jimmy that he had met the deaf-and-dumb woman that morning.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been asserted that if 'Hamlet,' for example, were to be performed in a deaf-and-dumb asylum, the inmates would be able to understand it and to enjoy it.

From Project Gutenberg

So Bonny was allowed to engage the deaf-and-dumb teamster by signs, and the two Indians by a few words of Chinook, without hinderance.

From Project Gutenberg