noun
booby
BOO-bee
Booby (noun) means a foolish or dim-witted person. Example: “Don't be such a booby — read the instructions first.”
noun
1
A foolish or dim-witted person.
"Don't be such a booby — read the instructions first."
2
A large tropical seabird related to gannets, once thought clumsy on land.
"Blue-footed boobies perform an odd, high-stepping courtship dance."
How to use booby
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a fool, or the name of a tropical seabird.
Common mistake
In "booby trap" and "booby prize," the word simply carries its "foolish" sense — a booby prize is a joke award for finishing last.
Common pairings
booby prize
booby trap
blue-footed booby
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Word forms
- Plural
- boobies
- Third person singular
- boobies
- Past tense
- boobied
- Comparative
- more booby, boobier
- Superlative
- most booby, boobiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be such a _____ — read the instructions first.
Etymology
From Spanish bobo ("fool"), ultimately from Latin balbus ("stammering"). The bird got the name from its supposedly clumsy, foolish-looking behaviour on land.
Related words
Rhymes for booby
See all rhymes for 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.
