bonehead

American  

[bohn-hed] / ˈboʊnˌhɛd /

noun

1. a foolish or stupid person; blockhead.

---

adjective

1. being of, by, or for a stupid or unthinking person.

   a bonehead mistake.

bonehead British  

/ ˈbəʊnˌhɛd /

noun

1. slang a stupid or obstinate person

---

Other Word Forms

• boneheaded adjective
• boneheadedness noun

Etymology

Origin of bonehead

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; bone ( def. ) + head

Example Sentences

Long story short, there are still evidently a lot of people around Pete Hegseth who think he is a big-league bonehead and would like everyone else to know it too.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2025

“But I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m just making so many bonehead mistakes.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2023

The Seahawks took a 17-16 lead into the half thanks to a bonehead play by Niners safety Jimmie Ward.

From Washington Times • Jan. 14, 2023

“There are guys who have lots of experience who made bonehead plays in the playoffs,” Van Noy said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023

“Yeah, and there might be enough to go around for once, without this bonehead hogging the butter and syrup.”

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz