half-wit

noun

ˈhaf-ˌwit How to pronounce half-wit (audio)
ˈhäf-
: a foolish or stupid person
half-witted adjective
half-wittedness noun

Examples of half-wit in a Sentence

some half-wit had left the gate open, and all the sheep had gotten loose even a half-wit knows that ice cream melts if it's not in the freezer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aerial mishaps and half-wit actors turn a fantasy classic into a farce. Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2023 Beau’s brother, Peanut (Kevin Cahoon), a fraction of a half-wit, fires off bullet lists of random jokes for no apparent reason. Jesse Green, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-wit was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near half-wit

Cite this Entry

“Half-wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-wit. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

half-wit

noun
ˈhaf-ˌwit,
ˈhȧf-
: a foolish or unintelligent person
half-witted
-ˈwit-əd
adjective
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