The English idiot originally meant “ignorant person,” but the more usual reference now is to a person who lacks basic intelligence or common sense rather than education.

An idiot, in modern use, is a stupid or foolish person. "Idiot" was formerly a technical term in legal and psychiatric contexts for some kinds of profound intellectual disability where the mental age …

Definition of idiot noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

IDIOT definition: 1. a stupid person or someone who is behaving in a stupid way: 2. a stupid person or someone who…. Learn more.

If you call someone an idiot, you are showing that you think they are very stupid or have done something very stupid.

Dec 27, 2025 · Only an idiot would fail this exam. After failing a hat-trick of exams, the teacher called him an idiot.

Don't be such an idiot! I really made an idiot of myself [=I acted very stupidly] at the party last night. Some idiot [= fool] of a driver kept trying to pass me!

Define idiot. idiot synonyms, idiot pronunciation, idiot translation, English dictionary definition of idiot. n. 1. A person who is considered foolish or stupid. 2. A person with profound intellectual …

idiot meaning, definition, what is idiot: a stupid person or someone who has done ...: Learn more.

noun Informal. an utterly foolish or senseless person: If you think you can wear that outfit to a job interview and get hired, you're an idiot! Synonyms: numbskull, dunce, dolt, imbecile, half-wit, fool