devoid

adjective

de·​void di-ˈvȯid How to pronounce devoid (audio)
: being without a usual, typical, or expected attribute or accompaniment
used with of
an argument devoid of sense
a landscape devoid of life

Examples of devoid in a Sentence

the so-called comedy is totally devoid of intelligence, originality, and even laughs the picnic jug was completely devoid of juice after only a few minutes
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The medication has hallucinogenic effects that alter the perception of sight and sound and cause users to feel devoid from pain and out of control of their surroundings. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2023 That devoid ingredient hindered things exponentially. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2024 The restaurant’s menu is devoid not only of meat, cheese, eggs, caffeine, and sugar, but also of spicy and oily foods. Mary Holland, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2023 The retail giants can see that healthcare is exorbitantly priced, uncoordinated, inconvenient and technologically devoid. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for devoid 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, past participle of devoiden to dispel, from Anglo-French *desvoider, from des- dis- + voider to empty — more at void entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of devoid was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near devoid

Cite this Entry

“Devoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devoid. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

devoid

adjective
de·​void di-ˈvȯid How to pronounce devoid (audio)
: not having a usual or expected quality
a book devoid of interest

More from Merriam-Webster on devoid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!