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

But I loves a fool; an youre the biggest dunderhead I ever knowed.

From Project Gutenberg

He who would convince the worthy Mr. Dunderhead of any truth which Dunderhead does not see, must be a master of his art.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, arising, she donned her best frock and neatest cap, and proceeded to the Castle Dunderhead.

From Project Gutenberg

That same afternoon the proclamation was issued, and Catherine carried a large gray goose to Castle Dunderhead.

From Project Gutenberg

Tom, you dunderhead—what do you mean by making an ass of yourself this way?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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