deaf

adjective

ˈdef 

 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

ˈde-fish 

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

Ángela, who is deaf, is surrounded by a strong community of deaf friends but struggles with pressure from her hearing parents to wear hearing aids. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2025

Why did no one in the room think: hmm isn't this a bit tone deaf. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

Once again, the City Council is deaf to the wishes and needs of the people. —Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

Matlin was also the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing deaf

• as deaf as a post
• deaf-aid
• deaf-mute
• fall on deaf ears
• go deaf
• stone-deaf
• struck deaf/blind
• the deaf
• tone-deaf
• turn a deaf ear

Rhymes for deaf

• chef
• clef
• ref

Kids Definition

deaf

adjective

ˈdef 

1

: wholly or partly unable to hear

2

: unwilling to hear or listen

deaf to all suggestions

deafness noun

Medical Definition

deaf

adjective

ˈdef 

: 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