doofus

noun

doo·​fus ˈdü-fəs How to pronounce doofus (audio)
-fis
variants or less commonly dufus
plural doofuses also dufuses ˈdü-fə-siz How to pronounce doofus (audio)
Synonyms of doofus
slang
: a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person

Synonyms of doofus

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Examples of doofus in a Sentence

Don't be such a doofus. I don't want to be partnered on the project with that doofus.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That wasn’t just about two doofuses trying to outdo each other. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2025 Seth, the doofus who somehow ruined Layla's engagement six months ago. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025 As the baby of the group, lovable doofus Vern came to life through 11-year-old Jerry O’Connell’s sweet performance. — Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Ángel Vargas as Ferrando and David Wolfe as Guglielmo play their roles as complete doofuses. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doofus

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of goof entry 1

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doofus was in 1960

Rhymes for doofus

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Browse Nearby Words

doofunny
doofus
doohickey
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Cite this Entry

“Doofus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doofus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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