First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1dull
adjective \ˈdəl\
: not exciting or interesting
: having an edge or point that is not sharp
of a sound : not clear and loud
Full Definition of DULL
1
: mentally slow : stupid
2
a : slow in perception or sensibility : insensible <somewhat dull of hearing> b : lacking zest or vivacity : listless <a dull performance>
3
: slow in action : sluggish
4
a : lacking in force, intensity, or sharpness <a dull ache> b : not resonant or ringing <a dull booming sound>
5
: lacking sharpness of edge or point <a dull knife>
6
: lacking brilliance or luster <a dull finish>
7
of a color : low in saturation and low in lightness
8
: cloudy <dull weather>
9
: tedious, uninteresting <dull lectures>
— dull·ness also dul·ness \ˈdəl-nəs\ noun
— dul·ly \ˈdə(l)-lē\ adverb
See dull defined for English-language learners
See dull defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DULL
Middle English dul; akin to Old English dol foolish, Old Irish dall blind
Related to DULL
Synonym Discussion of DULL
dull, blunt, obtuse mean not sharp, keen, or acute. dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency <a dull pain> <a dull mind>. blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception <a person of blunt sensibility>. obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination <too obtuse to take the hint>.
synonyms see in addition stupid
2dull
verb
: to become or cause (something) to become less clear, distinct, bright, or shiny
: to make (something, such as a feeling) less sharp, strong, or severe
: to become or cause (something, such as a knife or blade) to become less sharp
Full Definition of DULL
transitive verb
: to make dull <dull a knife's edge>
intransitive verb
: to become dull
See dull defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DULL
13th century
DULL Defined for Kids
1dull
adjective \ˈdəl\
dull·erdull·est
Definition of DULL for Kids
1
: not sharp in edge or point : blunt <a dull knife>
2
: not shiny or bright <The old trophy had a dull finish.>
3
: not interesting : boring <a dull movie>
4
: not clear and ringing <a dull sound>
5
: not sharp or intense <I have a dull ache in my arm.>
6
: slightly grayish <a dull red>
8
: slow in understanding things : not smart
9
: without energy or spirit <She was feeling dull.>
2dull
verb
dulleddull·ing
Definition of DULL for Kids
: to make or become less sharp, bright, or intense <Medicine dulled the pain.>
Medical Dictionary
dull
adjective \ˈdəl\
Medical Definition of DULL
1
: mentally slow or stupid
2
: slow in perception or sensibility
3
: lacking sharpness of edge or point <a dull scalpel>
4
: lacking in force, intensity, or acuteness <a dull pain>
—dull verb
—dull·ness or dul·ness \ˈdəl-nəs\ noun
—dul·ly \ˈdəl-ē\ adverb
Learn More About DULL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dull? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).