Dutchman

American  

[duhch-muhn] / ˈdʌtʃ mən /

noun

Dutchmen plural

1. a native or inhabitant of the Netherlands.

2. (lowercase) a piece or wedge inserted to hide the fault in a badly made joint, to stop an opening, etc.

3. Theater. a narrow strip of canvas to conceal the join between two flats.

4. Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used to refer to a German.

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Dutchman British  

/ ˈdʌtʃmən /

noun

1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands

2. a piece of wood, metal, etc, used to repair or patch faulty workmanship

3. derogatory an Afrikaner

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Sensitive Note

As used to refer to a German, the term Dutchman was originally standard English. But around the time of World War I, it became a slang term of contempt for the enemy. Its use nowadays is still sometimes perceived as insulting.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Dutchmen
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Dutchman

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at Dutch, man

Example Sentences

Dutchman Verhoeven had revealed on Wednesday that his formal protest had been dismissed.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

The Dutchman joked: "When the lights go out, wait one second. That's my advice."

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

The Dutchman said Jota's passing was "indescribable", but added "the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

After a missed match dart by Van Veen, the pair exchanged a frosty handshake and the Dutchman said Littler "was out of order" at what he perceived to be a celebration at the miss.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

At the beginning of August, while Galileo was still in Venice, he heard that a Dutchman had arrived in Padua with one of the new instruments.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin