deaf-and-dumb

American  

[def-uhn-duhm] / ˈdɛf ənˈdʌm /

adjective

Offensive.

1. deaf-mute.

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deaf-and-dumb British  

adjective

1. unable to hear or speak

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noun

1. a deaf person without speech

Sensitive Note

See dumb.

Usage

Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts

Etymology

Origin of deaf-and-dumb

1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb

Example Sentences

The physician could afford the lad but little relief, so the boy applied himself to the task of learning the deaf-and-dumb alphabet.

From Toaster's Handbook Jokes, Stories, and Quotations by Fanning, C. E. (Clara Elizabeth)

He was more in his mood and demeanor of last month, and diverted them greatly with an account of struggling to explain to Graves, the deaf-and-dumb gardener, what he wanted done in the garden.

From Plashers Mead A Novel by MacKenzie, Compton

When Petronella awoke from what seemed to her a long dream, she found herself in her own bed, tended by the deaf-and-dumb servant, who was sitting beside her and watching her with wistful glances.

From The Lost Treasure of Trevlyn A Story of the Days of the Gunpowder Plot by Everett-Green, Evelyn

"I requested you to wait till I'd done reciting French, and I told you I'd then communicate it by the deaf-and-dumb alphabet."

From Lights and Shadows in Confederate Prisons A Personal Experience, 1864-5 by Sprague, Homer B. (Homer Baxter)

If you're going to ask me to interfere between Mrs. McKee and the deaf-and-dumb book and insurance agent, I shall do nothing of the sort.

From K by Rinehart, Mary Roberts