name
Uncommon
Dewey
DOO-ee
Dewey (name) means a given name or surname, notably associated with the Dewey Decimal System used to classify library books. Example: “She looked up the Dewey number to find the book on the shelf.”
name
1
A given name or surname, notably associated with the Dewey Decimal System used to classify library books.
"She looked up the Dewey number to find the book on the shelf."
noun
1
Slang for a charge of driving under the influence (DUI).
"He got picked up on a dewey after leaving the bar."
How to use Dewey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBest known through the Dewey Decimal library classification system; also slang for a DUI charge.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Dewey.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- deweys
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She looked up the _____ number to find the book on the shelf.
Etymology
Possibly from the French place name Douai, or from Welsh Dewi (a form of David).
Rhymes for Dewey
See all rhymes for Dewey →Frequently asked questions
What does “Dewey” mean?
The word “Dewey” means a given name or surname, notably associated with the Dewey Decimal System used to classify library books. In plain terms, best known through the Dewey Decimal library classification system; also slang for a DUI charge.
How do you pronounce “Dewey”?
“Dewey” is pronounced DOO-ee (/ˈduːi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Dewey” in a sentence?
Here is “Dewey” used in a sentence: “She looked up the Dewey number to find the book on the shelf.”
What part of speech is “Dewey”?
Depending on how it is used, “Dewey” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Dewey” come from?
The word “Dewey” comes from French. Possibly from the French place name Douai, or from Welsh Dewi (a form of David).
Is “Dewey” a common word?
“Dewey” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Dewey” have?
“Dewey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a given name or surname, notably associated with the Dewey Decimal System used to classify library books.
