nincompoop

[ nin-kuhm-poop, ning- ]

noun

1. a fool or simpleton.

nincompoop

/ ˈnɪŋ-; ˈnɪnkəmˌpuːp /

noun

1. a stupid person; fool; idiot

Other Words From

• nincom·pooper·y noun
• nincom·poopish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nincompoop¹

First recorded in 1670–80; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of nincompoop¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

He might read a lesson to many a two-legged prig, were the bipedal nincompoop capable of learning it.

From Project Gutenberg

That young Welsh nincompoop imp has his eyes everywhere; his ears are always open.

From Project Gutenberg

And now because a monstrous piece of good luck has made a Crichton of him, you begin to regret the nincompoop!

From Project Gutenberg

If he hinted that a certain new comer impressed him unfavorably, the nincompoop was summarily kicked out of society.

From Project Gutenberg

The heavily-loaded wagon of the nincompoop and the virago was almost constantly mired.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dunce