deaf

American  

[def] / dɛf /

adjective

deafer, deafest

1. partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing; unable to hear.

2. refusing to listen, heed, or be persuaded; unreasonable or unyielding.

   deaf to all advice.

3. Deaf, of or relating to the Deaf or their cultural community.

   Deaf customs and values.

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noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Deaf persons collectively (usually preceded bythe ).

   social services for the Deaf.

2. Usually the Deaf Deaf persons who identify themselves as members of a community composed of Deaf persons and others who share in their culture.

deaf British  

/ dɛf /

adjective

1. 1. partially or totally unable to hear

   2. ( as collective noun ; preceded by the ) See also tone-deaf

      the deaf

2. refusing to heed

   deaf to the cries of the hungry

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deaf Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing deaf

• fall on deaf ears
• stone deaf
• turn a deaf ear

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Pronunciation

Deaf is usually pronounced , with the vowel of left. In uneducated speech the dialectal pronunciation , to rhyme with leaf, is still heard occasionally, but it is increasingly rare.

Other Word Forms

• deafly adverb
• deafness noun
• half-deaf adjective
• nondeaf adjective
• nondeafly adverb
• nondeafness noun
• quasi-deaf adjective
• quasi-deafly adverb
• semideaf adjective
• semideafness noun
• undeaf adjective

Etymology

Origin of deaf

First recorded before 900; Middle English deef, Old English dēaf; cognate with Middle Low German dōf, Dutch doof, Old High German toub

Explanation

If you're deaf, you can't hear or have extremely limited hearing abilities. Many people who are deaf communicate using sign language. Some people are born deaf, while others lose their hearing later in life because of illness or injury. People who have been deaf their whole lives and are actively involved with the deaf community consider deafness a "difference in experience," not a disability. When someone accuses you of being "deaf to" their argument, they mean that you are refusing to pay attention or listen. Until the 18th century, deaf was pronounced so it rhymed with beef.

Example Sentences

Ray has since become conscious of the challenges deaf people - and their families - face, and used his own experiences to inspire material for his new show, Coda.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“Perhaps a historic-cultural monument designation could have saved the Zimmerman House, or allowed the necessary time to delay demolition. Tragically, calls for preservation fell on deaf ears.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

His calls for help in securing the Strait of Hormuz have fallen on deaf ears.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

“How does ruining the life of a 6-year-old deaf child make our community or our country any safer?” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Mr. Woodwell may be halfway deaf, but a squeaky door will get inside your sleep.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• headstrong
• indifferent
• oblivious
• strong-willed