deaf-mute
noun
plural deaf-mutes
dated, now offensive
: a deaf person who lacks the ability to speak
Note: The term deaf-mute is considered offensive in its implied suggestion that deaf people are not able to communicate.
deaf-mute
adjective
dated, now offensive
Examples of deaf-mute in a Sentence
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To play Baby Karmakar, the deaf-mute assassin at the center of it, Qureshi learned sign language.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deaf-mute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deaf-mute. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
deaf-mute
1 of 2 adjective
dated, now offensive
: lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak
deaf-muteness
noun
dated, now offensive
deaf-mute
2 of 2 noun
dated, now offensive
: a deaf person who lacks the ability to speak
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