English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

dumbledore

DUHM-buhl-daw

Dumbledore (noun) means an old dialect word for a bumblebee. Example: “A fat dumbledore droned lazily among the clover.”

noun
1
An old dialect word for a bumblebee.
"A fat dumbledore droned lazily among the clover."
2
A dialect word for certain beetles, such as the cockchafer or dung beetle.
"The children caught a dumbledore in a jam jar."
3
A clumsy or bumbling person.
"Stop being such a dumbledore and watch where you're walking."

How to use dumbledore

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old rural English word for a bumblebee or similar insect; also a clumsy person.

Memory tip

You may recognise this as the surname of a famous fictional headmaster — J. K. Rowling borrowed the old dialect word for "bumblebee" because she pictured the character humming to himself.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

dumbledores plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “dumbledore” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A fat _____ droned lazily among the clover.

Etymology

A compound of dialect dumble (similar to "bumble") and dor, an old word for a buzzing flying insect.

Rhymes for dumbledore

See all rhymes for dumbledore →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dumbledore” mean?

The word “dumbledore” means an old dialect word for a bumblebee. In plain terms, an old rural English word for a bumblebee or similar insect; also a clumsy person.

How do you pronounce “dumbledore”?

“Dumbledore” is pronounced DUHM-buhl-daw (/ˈdʌm.bəl.dɔːɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “dumbledore” in a sentence?

Here is “dumbledore” used in a sentence: “A fat dumbledore droned lazily among the clover.”

What part of speech is “dumbledore”?

“Dumbledore” is a noun.

How many meanings does “dumbledore” have?

“Dumbledore” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old dialect word for a bumblebee.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial