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Definition of "deaf" []

  • Partially or completely lacking in the sense of hearing. (adjective)
  • Of or relating to the Deaf or their culture. (adjective)
  • Unwilling or refusing to listen; heedless: was deaf to our objections. (adjective)
  • Deaf people considered as a group. Used with the. (noun)
  • The community of deaf people who use American Sign Language as a primary means of communication. Used with the. (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.

Use "deaf" in a sentence
  • "Nothing personal, but the term deaf-mute is way, way out of style."
  • "But I think theawesomerobot's point about iPods for the deaf is a good one."
  • "He felt the ridicule which was attached to the mute character of the Legislative Body, which he called his deaf and dumb assembly."