Origin of dummy

1590–1600; 1915–20, Americanism for def 20; dumb + -y3

usage note for dummy

See dumb.

Example sentences from the Web for dummy

British Dictionary definitions for dummy

dummy
/ (ˈdʌmɪ) /

noun plural -mies

verb -mies, -mying or -mied

to prepare a dummy of (a proposed book, page, etc)
Also: sell someone a dummy sport to use a dummy pass in order to trick (an opponent)

Word Origin for dummy

C16: see dumb, -y ³

Cultural definitions for dummy

dummy

In a corporation, one who stands in for a real director or who serves as a nominal director during the organization of the corporation until the stockholders can elect directors.