blockhead

[ blok-hed ]

noun

1. a stupid, doltish person; dunce.

   Synonyms: booby, ignoramus, dullard, dolt, nitwit, fool

2. Obsolete. a piece of wood in the shape of a head, heads, used as a block for hats or wigs.

blockhead

/ ˈblɒkˌhɛd /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a stupid person

Derived Forms

• ˈblockˌheadedness, noun
• ˈblockˌheaded, adjective
• ˈblockˌheadedly, adverb

Other Words From

• blockheaded adjective
• blockheaded·ly adverb
• blockheaded·ness noun
• blockheadism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blockhead¹

First recorded in 1540–50; block + head

Example Sentences

It is in vain to attempt to turn a very rich blockhead into ridicule, for the laughers will be on his side.

From Project Gutenberg

A great lord says of214 your friend Timagenes that he is a blockhead, but he makes a mistake.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not require you to reply that Timagenes is a clever man, but only dare think he is not a blockhead.

From Project Gutenberg

But you are a blockhead, and it is tiresome to have to do with you.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the teacher lost patience with him, and generally concluded: "Go back to your place, you are a blockhead."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dummy