n.
Pronunciation: ' d ə m
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German tumb mute
Date: before 12th century
1 a : lacking the human power of speech < dumb animals> b of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2 : temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) <struck dumb with fear>
3 : not expressed in uttered words < dumb grief>
4 : SILENT also : TACITURN
5 : lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment especially : having no means of self-propulsion <a dumb barge>
6 a : lacking intelligence : STUPID b : showing a lack of intelligence <asking dumb questions> c : requiring no intelligence < dumb luck>
7 : not having the capability to process data <a dumb terminal> ― compare INTELLIGENT 3a
synonyms see STUPID
– dumb · ly \ ' d ə m-l ē \ adverb
– dumb · ness noun
usage There is evidence that, when applied to persons who cannot speak, dumb has come to be considered offensive.