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 notesIn 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 ↓ Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dumbledore.
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
- dumbledores
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.
