dunce cap

noun

: a conical cap formerly used as a punishment for slow learners at school

called also dunce's cap

Examples of dunce cap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While accepting the award, Roan continued the night’s clown theme by wearing a sky-high dunce cap. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2025 Go sit in the dunce corner and put the dunce cap on. — Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dunce cap was circa 1791

Rhymes for dunce cap

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Cite this Entry

“Dunce cap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dunce%20cap. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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