dunderhead

[ duhn-der-hed ]
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noun
  1. a dunce; blockhead; numbskull.

Origin of dunderhead

1
1615–25; apparently <Dutch dunder(kop) numbskull (dunderthunder + kop head) + head
  • Also called dun·der·pate [duhn-der-peyt]. /ˈdʌn dərˌpeɪt/.

Other words from dunderhead

  • dun·der·head·ed, adjective
  • dun·der·head·ed·ness, noun

Words Nearby dunderhead

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use dunderhead in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dunderhead

dunderhead

/ (ˈdʌndəˌhɛd) /


noun
  1. a stupid or slow-witted person; dunce: Also called: dunderpate

Origin of dunderhead

1
C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + head; compare blockhead

Derived forms of dunderhead

  • dunderheaded, adjective
  • dunderheadedness, noun

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