Word Explorer

Nerd

/nɜːd/

(sometimes derogatory) A person who is intellectual but generally introverted

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Nerd"

noun

1
(sometimes derogatory) A person who is intellectual but generally introverted
2
(sometimes derogatory) One who has an intense, obsessive interest in something.
"a comic-book nerd"
3
An unattractive, socially awkward, annoying, undesirable, and/or boring, person; a dork.
"Nerds seem to have fun with each other, but in a way that causes others to laugh at them."
4
(post-1980s) A member of a subculture revolving around video games, fantasy and science fiction, comic books and assorted media.

🔄 Synonyms of "Nerd"

3 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
grindverb	(transitive) To reduce to smaller pieces by crushing with lateral motion.
swotnoun	(intransitive, slang, UK, Ireland, Commonwealth) To study with effort or determination.
wonknoun	(derogatory, informal) An overly studious person, particularly a student.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Nerd"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
wonknoun	(derogatory, informal) An overly studious person, particularly a student.
swotnoun	Vigorous study at an educational institution.
grindnoun	The act of reducing to powder, or of sharpening, by friction.
dorknoun	(derogatory, slang) A quirky, silly or stupid, socially inept person, or one who is out of touch with contemporary trends and typically has unfashionable hobbies. (Overlaps conceptually with nerd and geek, but does not imply the same level of intelligence.)
dweebnoun	(US, dated, originally university slang, now general slang, derogatory) A boring, studious, or socially inept person.
intellectualnoun	An intelligent, learned person, especially one who discourses about learned matters.
geeknoun	(colloquial) A person who is intensely interested in a particular field or hobby and often having limited or nonstandard social skills. Often used with an attributive noun.
punknoun	(countable) One who engages in sexual intercourse, particularly:
weirdonoun	(informal, chiefly derogatory) A strange, odd, eccentric person.
freaknoun	(slang, chiefly derogatory) A person who is extremely abnormal in appearance, social behavior, sexual orientation, gender identity, or business practices; an oddball, a unique person, originally in a displeasing or alienating way.
buttheadnoun	(sometimes vulgar, colloquial, derogatory) An annoying person or someone who is difficult to get along with.
douchenoun	A jet or current of water or vapour directed upon some part of the body to benefit it medicinally; in particular, such a jet directed at the vagina for irrigation.
schmucknoun	(derogatory) A jerk; a person who is unlikable, detestable, or contemptible because they are stupid, foolish, clumsy, oafish, inept, malicious, or unpleasant.
sickonoun	(chiefly derogatory, slang) A person with unpleasant tastes, views or habits.
goofballnoun	(informal, often derogatory, sometimes endearing) A foolish or silly person or animal.
wackonoun	(slang, somewhat derogatory) An amusingly eccentric or irrational person.
chumpnoun	(colloquial, derogatory) A gullible person; a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of; someone lacking common sense.
doofusnoun	(slang, derogatory, sometimes affectionately, humorous) A person with poor judgment and taste; a foolish or silly person.
oafnoun	(derogatory) A person, especially a large male, who is clumsy or a simpleton.
foolnoun	(derogatory) A person with poor judgment or little intelligence.