deaf

adjective

ˈdef How to pronounce deaf (audio)
 dialectal  ˈdēf
1
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf people
the deaf community
also : of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf culture
deaf education
2
: unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded
… when men are determined on mutiny, they are deaf to reason.Washington Irving
deafish adjective
deafly adverb
deafness noun

Examples of deaf in a Sentence

He has been deaf since birth. She's completely deaf in her right ear. He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up.
Recent Examples on the Web The Cannes Film Festival, which brings together the whole industry, cannot remain deaf to their demands and, through its political leverage, must help them in having those demands met. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 May 2024 Neighbors say the victim is deaf and expressed shock at the attack, WHDH, Boston 25, NBC Boston and CBS News reported. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for deaf 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deaf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deef, from Old English dēaf; akin to Greek typhlos blind, typhein to smoke, Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deaf was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near deaf

Cite this Entry

“Deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deaf. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

deaf

adjective
1
: wholly or partly unable to hear
2
: unwilling to hear or listen
deaf to all suggestions
deafness noun

Medical Definition

deaf

adjective
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf adults
also : of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf education
deafness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deaf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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