dunderhead

[ duhn-der-hed ]

/ ˈdʌn dərˌhɛd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dunderhead ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a dunce; blockhead; numbskull.

Nearby words

dundalk, dundas, dundee, dundee cake, dunder, dunderhead, dunderpate, dundonian, dundrearies, dune, dune buggy

Origin of dunderhead

1615–25; apparently < Dutch dunder(kop) numbskull (dunder thunder + kop head) + head

Also called dun·der·pate

[duhn-der-peyt] /ˈdʌn dərˌpeɪt/.

Related forms

dun·der·head·ed, adjectivedun·der·head·ed·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dunderhead

"I'll have that dunderhead's shoulder-straps off inside of a fortnight," he muttered between his teeth.
The Red Acorn|John McElroy
"Well, you are a dunderhead to take a joke like that for sober earnest," said Jost, bursting into a loud laugh.
Veronica And Other Friends|Johanna (Heusser) Spyri
“The actual Superintendent of Dunderbunk is a dunderhead,” said Churm.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 51, January, 1862|Various
Look at me, Sariette, old boy, and tell me if I look like a dunderhead.
The Revolt of the Angels|Anatole France

I shall issue an address to the free and independent electors of Dunderhead.
Piccadilly|Laurence Oliphant

British Dictionary definitions for dunderhead

dunderhead

/ (ˈdʌndəˌhɛd) /

noun

a stupid or slow-witted person; dunceAlso called: dunderpate

Derived Forms

dunderheaded, adjectivedunderheadedness, noun

Word Origin for dunderhead

C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + head; compare blockhead

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