oaf
Oaf (noun) means a clumsy, foolish, or unrefined person. Example: “The clumsy oaf knocked the vase off the table.”
How to use oaf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA clumsy, dim-witted, or badly-mannered person.
Word forms
- Plural
- oafs, oaves
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The clumsy _____ knocked the vase off the table.
Etymology
A variant of the older word "auf", probably from Old Norse alfr ("elf") — originally used for a changeling child left by fairies, later broadening to any clumsy or foolish person.
Related words
Rhymes for oaf
See all rhymes for oaf →Frequently asked questions
What does “oaf” mean?
The word “oaf” means a clumsy, foolish, or unrefined person. In plain terms, a clumsy, dim-witted, or badly-mannered person.
How do you pronounce “oaf”?
“Oaf” is pronounced ohf (/oʊf/ in IPA).
How do you use “oaf” in a sentence?
Here is “oaf” used in a sentence: “The clumsy oaf knocked the vase off the table.”
What is another word for “oaf”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oaf” include galoot, imbecile, lout, moron and fool.
What part of speech is “oaf”?
“Oaf” is a noun.
Where does the word “oaf” come from?
The word “oaf” comes from Old Norse. A variant of the older word "auf", probably from Old Norse alfr ("elf") — originally used for a changeling child left by fairies, later broadening to any clumsy or foolish person.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include oaf:
