noun
klutz
kluhts
Klutz (noun) means a clumsy or awkward person. Example: “I'm such a klutz — I tripped over my own feet again.”
noun
1
A clumsy or awkward person.
"Well, that's all right, then, Brian. Sit down. Have a scone. Make yourself at home. You klutz!"
— Monty Python's Life of Brian, spoken by Reg (John Cleese) (1979)
"I'm such a klutz — I tripped over my own feet again."
"I bumped into the coffee table. "Sorry about that table. Don't worry, you should see me, Qanta. I am the klutz! I am always doing that!" She giggled at her clumsiness while I giggled at a Saudi using idiomatic Yiddish."
— Qanta A. Ahmed, In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom (2008)
How to use klutz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who's awkward, uncoordinated, or prone to knocking things over.
When to use it
Informal and usually good-humoured rather than genuinely insulting.
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Word forms
- Plural
- klutzes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm such a _____ — I tripped over my own feet again.
Etymology
From Yiddish klots, literally "wooden beam" or "block," used figuratively for a clumsy or slow-witted person. It's a close relative of the English words "clot" and "clod."
Rhymes for klutz
See all rhymes for klutz →Frequently asked questions
What does “klutz” mean?
The word “klutz” means a clumsy or awkward person. In plain terms, someone who's awkward, uncoordinated, or prone to knocking things over.
How do you pronounce “klutz”?
“Klutz” is pronounced kluhts (/klʌts/ in IPA).
How do you use “klutz” in a sentence?
Here is “klutz” used in a sentence: “I'm such a klutz — I tripped over my own feet again.”
What part of speech is “klutz”?
“Klutz” is a noun.
Where does the word “klutz” come from?
The word “klutz” comes from Yiddish. From Yiddish klots, literally "wooden beam" or "block," used figuratively for a clumsy or slow-witted person. It's a close relative of the English words "clot" and "clod.".
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