dunderhead

[ duhn-der-hed ]

noun

1. a dunce; blockhead; numbskull.

dunderhead

/ ˈdʌndəˌhɛd /

noun

1. a stupid or slow-witted person; dunce Also calleddunderpate

Derived Forms

• ˈdunderˌheadedness, noun
• ˈdunderˌheaded, adjective

Other Words From

• dunder·headed adjective
• dunder·headed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dunderhead¹

1615–25; apparently < Dutch dunder ( kop ) numbskull ( dunder thunder + kop head) + head

Word History and Origins

Origin of dunderhead¹

C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + head ; compare blockhead

Example Sentences

It actually appears that Eric Trump, despite his dunderhead reputation, was far more involved in running the place.

From Salon

Even the dunderheads who think Tucker Carlson is a moral authority struggle to buy that one.

From Salon

Adolf Hitler was described by a prominent magazine editor in 1930 as a "big mouth," a "half-insane rascal," a "pathetic dunderhead" and a "nowhere fool."

From Salon

Still, it is enraging to watch a parade of dunderheads preen on cable — anchors and generals and chatterers — the same people whose cheerleading ensnared us in 20 years of quicksand in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From New York Times

"You always used to like calling me a dunderhead. And an oaf."

From Literature

Related Words

• ass
• boob
• buffoon
• idiot
• jerk
• moron
• nitwit
• stooge
• sucker
• twit