Dutchman

[ duhch-muh n ]
/ ˈdʌtʃ mən /

noun, plural Dutch·men.

a native or inhabitant of the Netherlands.
(lowercase) Building Trades. a piece or wedge inserted to hide the fault in a badly made joint, to stop an opening, etc.
Theater. a narrow strip of canvas to conceal the join between two flats.
Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used to refer to a German.

Origin of Dutchman

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at Dutch, man1

usage note for Dutchman

As used to refer to a German, the term Dutchman was originally standard English. But around the time of World War I, it became a slang term of contempt for the enemy. Its use nowadays is still sometimes perceived as insulting.

Example sentences from the Web for dutchman

British Dictionary definitions for dutchman

Dutchman
/ (ˈdʌtʃmən) /

noun plural -men

a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands
a piece of wood, metal, etc, used to repair or patch faulty workmanship
Southern African often derogatory an Afrikaner