Dull

/dʌl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To make or become less sharp.

The constant use of the knife has dulled its edge.

To lessen the intensity of something.

The medication dulled the pain significantly.

adjective

Lacking brightness, vividness, or sheen; not sharp.

The sun set behind a dull gray cloud.

Lacking interest or excitement; boring.

The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep.

Not intelligent; stupid.

His dull response suggested that he had not understood the question.

Middle English, from Old English 'dull', meaning 'blunt, weak'.

dull as dishwater

Extremely boring or uninteresting.

dull blade

A tool or knife that is not sharp.

dull pain

A persistent, low-grade pain.

dullness

The quality of being dull; lack of interest.

dully

In a dull manner.

Bland

That movie was so bland, it was downright dull.

Boring

This meeting is really dull; I just want to go home.