English Reference
adjective · noun

blunt

adj. · n.
US /ˈbɫənt/ UK /blˈʌnt/ blunt UK spelling blunts

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having an edge or point that is not sharp.

    adj.lacking a sharp edge or point; physically dull.

    Simple

    The blunt knife struggled to cut through the tough skin of the tomato.

    In context

    Using a blunt chisel for fine woodwork is not only inefficient but also increases the risk of the tool slipping and causing injury.

    dullunsharpened
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite.

    adj.abrupt in manner or speech; characterized by directness that may border on rudeness.

    Simple

    To be blunt, I don't think your plan is going to work.

    In context

    Her blunt assessment of the company's failings offended the executives, though most employees privately agreed with her observations.

    directfrankbrusque
  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangAmerican English

    n.a cigar that has been emptied and refilled with marijuana.

    n.a cigar hollowed out and filled with cannabis; common in hip-hop culture and urban slang.

    Simple

    The security guards caught a group of teenagers smoking a blunt behind the stadium.

    In context

    References to rolling a blunt are frequent in the lyrics of early nineties West Coast rap music.

    Usage

    Countable noun.

Her video series about the blunt and innocent way children ask questions has gone viral.

NPR· 23 Aug 2026

But it's a blunt instrument, and it risks missing the forest for the trees.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

Two possible origins: * From Anglo-Norman blunt (“blond”), a nickname for someone with fair hair or a light complexion. * From Middle English blunt (“dull, stupid”), a nickname for a stupid person.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English blunt
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated