noun
Dalek
DAH-lehk
Dalek (noun) means one of the robotic mutant villains from the British television series Doctor Who, known for their metallic casings, grating voices, and single-minded drive to "exterminate.". Example: “The Daleks rolled down the corridor, screeching their catchphrase.”
noun
1
One of the robotic mutant villains from the British television series Doctor Who, known for their metallic casings, grating voices, and single-minded drive to "exterminate."
"The Daleks rolled down the corridor, screeching their catchphrase."
2
By extension, a person who acts in a rigid, unfeeling, and relentlessly aggressive way.
"Critics called the new policy pure dalek thinking — no room for compassion or exceptions."
How to use Dalek
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe classic pepper-pot-shaped robot villains of Doctor Who, or an insult for someone acting coldly ruthless.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Daleks
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The _____ rolled down the corridor, screeching their catchphrase.
Etymology
Invented in 1963 by writer Terry Nation for Doctor Who; the exact inspiration is disputed, but it echoes the name of the Daleks' fictional predecessor race in the show.
Rhymes for Dalek
See all rhymes for Dalek →Frequently asked questions
What does “Dalek” mean?
The word “Dalek” means one of the robotic mutant villains from the British television series Doctor Who, known for their metallic casings, grating voices, and single-minded drive to "exterminate.". In plain terms, the classic pepper-pot-shaped robot villains of Doctor Who, or an insult for someone acting coldly ruthless.
How do you pronounce “Dalek”?
“Dalek” is pronounced DAH-lehk (/ˈdɑːlɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “Dalek” in a sentence?
Here is “Dalek” used in a sentence: “The Daleks rolled down the corridor, screeching their catchphrase.”
What part of speech is “Dalek”?
“Dalek” is a noun.
Where does the word “Dalek” come from?
The word “Dalek” dates back to around 1963. Invented in 1963 by writer Terry Nation for Doctor Who; the exact inspiration is disputed, but it echoes the name of the Daleks' fictional predecessor race in the show.
How many meanings does “Dalek” have?
“Dalek” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the robotic mutant villains from the British television series Doctor Who, known for their metallic casings, grating voices, and single-minded drive to "exterminate.".
