pumpkin head

noun

1. a slow or dim-witted person; dunce.

Other Words From

• pumpkin-headed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin head¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Pumpkin-head would have burst, if I'd let out I didn't know what part of the jolly old world my governor used to run.

From Project Gutenberg

Hugo Montfort is no hobgoblin ghost in a white sheet, with a pumpkin head!

From Project Gutenberg

Tip also noticed that Jack's pumpkin head had twisted around until it faced his back; but this was easily remedied.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he saw old Mombi raise her arm and sprinkle the powder from the box over the pumpkin head of his man Jack.

From Project Gutenberg

Jack also waded in up to his knees and grasped the tail of the horse so that he might keep his pumpkin head above the water.

From Project Gutenberg