moron

noun

mo·​ron ˈmȯr-ˌän How to pronounce moron (audio)
plural morons
1
: a foolish or stupid person
… once their business is over [clients] go right back to thinking you're either a crook or a moron. Realty is not a friendly business. It only seems to be.Richard Ford
2
dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : a person affected with mild intellectual disability
moronic adjective
moronically adverb
moronism noun
moronity noun
Usage of Moron

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Examples of moron in a Sentence

They were acting like a bunch of morons. I can't believe I did something so stupid. I feel like a complete moron.

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Greek mōros foolish, stupid

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of moron was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near moron

Cite this Entry

“Moron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moron. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

moron

noun
mo·​ron ˈmō(ə)r-ˌän How to pronounce moron (audio)
ˈmȯ(ə)r-
: a very stupid person
moronic adjective

Medical Definition

moron

noun
dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below
: a person affected with mild intellectual disability

Usage of Moron

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Legal Definition

moron

noun
mo·​ron ˈmōr-ˌän How to pronounce moron (audio)
: a person with a mild or moderate intellectual disability
used formerly
see also idiot

More from Merriam-Webster on moron

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