dumb meaning and definition

DUMB adjective

Definition of dumb (adjective)

1. slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
   • "so dense he never understands anything I say to him"; "never met anyone quite so dim"; "although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick"- Thackeray; "dumb officials make some really dumb decisions"; "he was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse"; "worked with the slow students"
   • synonyms: dense, dim, dull, obtuse, slow
2. temporarily incapable of speaking
   • "struck dumb"; "speechless with shock"
   • synonyms: speechless
3. lacking the power of human speech
   • "dumb animals"
4. unable to speak because of hereditary deafness
   • synonyms: mute, silent