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

goff

Goff (noun) means a foolish or clumsy person; a clown or simpleton (dialectal/archaic). Example: “The old text calls the jester a common goff, fit only for laughs.”

noun
1
A foolish or clumsy person; a clown or simpleton (dialectal/archaic).
"The old text calls the jester a common goff, fit only for laughs."

How to use goff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or dialect word for a foolish, clumsy person.

When to use it

Archaic/dialectal — you will mostly meet this in older texts, not everyday speech.

Word forms

goffs plural, goffs plural

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old text calls the jester a common _____, fit only for laughs.

Etymology

Related to the old French word goffe, meaning "clumsy" or "ill-made," and similar dialect words in Italian, Spanish, and German for a blockhead or fool.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for goff

See all rhymes for goff →

Frequently asked questions

What does “goff” mean?

The word “goff” means a foolish or clumsy person; a clown or simpleton (dialectal/archaic). In plain terms, an old-fashioned or dialect word for a foolish, clumsy person.

How do you use “goff” in a sentence?

Here is “goff” used in a sentence: “The old text calls the jester a common goff, fit only for laughs.”

What part of speech is “goff”?

“Goff” is a noun.

Where does the word “goff” come from?

The word “goff” comes from Old French. Related to the old French word goffe, meaning "clumsy" or "ill-made," and similar dialect words in Italian, Spanish, and German for a blockhead or fool.

Featured in

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial