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Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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

Anticipating my coming she had ordered dinner, and this was presently delivered by a deaf-and-dumb mechanical servant, and we set it forth on the dainty dining table.

From City of Endless Night by Hastings, Milo M. (Milo Milton)

Flibbertigibbet set immediately about earning the right to learn the deaf-and-dumb alphabet; she hung out all monitor Number Twelve's washing—dish towels, stockings, handkerchiefs—every other day for two weeks in the bitter December weather.

From Flamsted quarries by Nelson, G. Patrick

Slops made him a sign in the deaf-and-dumb language to extinguish the light and creep to his side.

From The Varmint by Gruger, Frederic Rodrigo

In order to get Experience, she signed up with a No. 4 Company, playing the Part of the deaf-and-dumb lady who crosses the Stage and removes the Tea Things early in the Second Act.

From Knocking the Neighbors by Ade, George

They'll hurry off to tell Noureddin Ali that Staff-Captain Ali Mirza and the deaf-and-dumb man have really started for Damascus, bags of gold and all.

From Jimgrim and Allah's Peace by Mundy, Talbot