This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
deaf-mute
[ def-myoot ]
/ ˈdɛfˈmyut /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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, nounWords 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
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, nounWord 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Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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′ ]
n.
A person who can neither hear nor speak. No longer in technical use.
adj.
Unable to speak or hear.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.