Definition of "palooka" [palooka]

• Sports An incompetent or easily defeated athlete, especially a prizefighter. (noun)
• Slang A stupid or clumsy person. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It's important to note that none of the potential cost-cutting measures I've mentioned touch the big palooka."
• "This is the guy that Federal should have signed up instead of the wrestling palooka."
• "“Better than hitting some poor old palooka in the head,” Ruth replied."