booby
5 synonyms for booby, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A foolish or dim-witted person.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use booby
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
booby prize
booby trap
blue-footed booby
Etymology
From Spanish bobo ("fool"), ultimately from Latin balbus ("stammering"). The bird got the name from its supposedly clumsy, foolish-looking behaviour on land.
Full origin of booby →Frequently asked questions
What does “booby” mean?
The word “booby” means a foolish or dim-witted person. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a fool, or the name of a tropical seabird.
How do you pronounce “booby”?
“Booby” is pronounced BOO-bee (/ˈbuːbi/ in IPA).
How do you use “booby” in a sentence?
Here is “booby” used in a sentence: “Don't be such a booby — read the instructions first.”
What part of speech is “booby”?
“Booby” is a noun.
Where does the word “booby” come from?
The word “booby” comes from Latin. From Spanish bobo ("fool"), ultimately from Latin balbus ("stammering"). The bird got the name from its supposedly clumsy, foolish-looking behaviour on land.
How many meanings does “booby” have?
“Booby” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a foolish or dim-witted person.
