deaf-mute

[ def-myoot ]

/ ˈdɛfˈmyut /

Offensive.

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adjective

unable to hear and speak.

noun

a person who is unable to hear and speak, especially one in whom inability to speak is due to congenital or early deafness.

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of deaf-mute

First recorded in 1830–40; translation of French sourd-muet

usage note for deaf-mute

See dumb.

OTHER WORDS FROM deaf-mute

deaf-muteness, deaf-mutism, noun

Words nearby deaf-mute

deaf as a post, deaf-blind, deafen, deafening, deafferentation, deaf-mute, deafmutism, deafness, deaf without speech, Deak, Deakin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use deaf-mute in a sentence

And in his view, they may be good at policy but have “a deaf ear when it comes to politics.”
How Will Cuba Play In Peoria?|Eleanor Clift|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Bowman claims that she told both her agent and an attorney about the incident, but her allegations fell on deaf ears.
Bill Cosby’s Long List of Accusers (So Far): 18 Alleged Sexual Assault Victims Between 1965-2004|Marlow Stern|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A new reality series spotlights the extent people will go to impress a crush—from pretending to be deaf to committing theft.
‘My Crazy Love’ Reveals the Craziest Lies People Tell for Love|Kevin Fallon|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Girma is a 26-year-old Harvard Law School graduate—and she is blind and deaf.
TEDx Talks Have a Disability Problem—but This Incredible Young Woman Is Working to Change That|Nina Strochlic|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Deaf and hard of hearing who wanted to view it could not get access to the talk—it was ridiculous.
TEDx Talks Have a Disability Problem—but This Incredible Young Woman Is Working to Change That|Nina Strochlic|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was a pause, during which Blanche went through a little mute exhibition of amazement and pleasure.
Confidence|Henry James
Her face wore a look of distress, almost of alarm; she kept her place, but her eyes gave Bernard a mute welcome.
Confidence|Henry James
And in that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and out of darkness and obscurity the eyes of the blind shall see.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Frau S. admitted that was true, but at the same time suggested it would be well for him to remember we were not all deaf.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Others revolt at the injustice of the monopoly, and the words fall on ears that would be deaf if they could.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley

British Dictionary definitions for deaf-mute

deaf-mute

noun

a person who is unable to hear or speakSee also mute 1 (def. 7), mutism (def. 2b)

adjective

unable to hear or speak

Derived forms of deaf-mute

deaf-muteness or deaf-mutism, noun

Word Origin for deaf-mute

C19: translation of French sourd-muet

usage for deaf-mute

Using this word 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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for deaf-mute

deaf-mute

[ dĕf′myōōt′ ]

A person who can neither hear nor speak. No longer in technical use.

adj.

Unable to speak or hear.