1
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf people
the deaf community
also
: of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf culture
deaf education
2
: unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded
… when men are determined on mutiny, they are deaf to reason.—
Washington Irving
Washington IrvingExamples of deaf in a Sentence
He has been deaf since birth.
She's completely deaf in her right ear.
He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up.
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout his life, being deaf in one ear has presented many challenges, Petalas said.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Arnold is also a co-director of the UK’s Deaf & Disabled People in TV, a group seeking to improve conditions and representation for deaf and disabled people in the industry.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
She was hit by a car in the mêlée, but is only thinking about getting her son, who is deaf, proper care.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
The host’s plea apparently fell upon deaf ears, however.
—John Russell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deaf
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Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Arnold is also a co-director of the UK’s Deaf & Disabled People in TV, a group seeking to improve conditions and representation for deaf and disabled people in the industry.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
She was hit by a car in the mêlée, but is only thinking about getting her son, who is deaf, proper care.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
The host’s plea apparently fell upon deaf ears, however.
—John Russell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deaf
Cite this Entry
“Deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deaf. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deaf
adjective1
: wholly or partly unable to hear
2
: unwilling to hear or listen
deaf to all suggestions
deafness
noun
Medical Definition
deaf
adjective
: having total or partial hearing loss
deaf adults
also
: of or relating to people who have total or partial hearing loss
deaf education
deafness
noun
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