dingbat

[ ding-bat ]

noun

1. Slang. an eccentric, silly, or empty-headed person.
2. dingus.
3. Printing. an ornamental piece of type for borders, separators, decorations, etc.
4. an object, as a brick, serving as a missile.

dingbat

/ ˈdɪŋˌbæt /

noun

1. any unnamed object, esp one used as a missile
2. a crazy or stupid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

These structures became known as dingbats, a common developer name for a structure that was “thrown up quick and shoddily built,” as a newspaper reported at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

He was inspired to invent these elders by contemplating the oddly textured cinder blocks of a dingbat apartment on 6th Avenue in Venice.

From Los Angeles Times

Resting a few feet from a dingbat apartment to the south, the ADU is lifted off the ground to preserve two parking spots in the alley and a swimming pool in front.

From Los Angeles Times

Vacant units in the dingbat have broken windows.

From Los Angeles Times

These structures, also known as dingbats, can be retrofitted by installing a steel frame to support the ground story.

From Los Angeles Times