Dunce is a mild insult in English meaning "a person who is slow at learning or stupid". The etymology given by Richard Stanyhurst is that the word is derived from the name of the …

The meaning of DUNCE is a slow-witted or stupid person. How to use dunce in a sentence. Did you know?

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Dec 14, 2025 · Noun dunce (plural dunces) An unintelligent person. Synonyms: idiot; see also Thesaurus: idiot

DUNCE definition: a dull-witted, stupid, or ignorant person; dolt. See examples of dunce used in a sentence.

DUNCE definition: 1. a person who is slow to learn or stupid, especially at school 2. a person who is slow to learn…. Learn more.

If you say that someone is a dunce, you think they are rather stupid because they find it difficult or impossible to learn what someone is trying to teach them.

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun dunce, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of dunce noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A dunce is a dummy — someone who isn't smart. You might be tempted to call your little brother a dunce when he walks out the door with his shoes on the wrong feet.