# cuckold

/kˈʌkəʊld/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cuckold
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a man who is tricked into thinking he is the father of a child, but the real father is someone else. It is a very rude and offensive word.

For teachers: a man who is deceived into believing he is the biological father of a child, while the actual father is another man. Highly offensive and derogatory in modern usage.

## Examples

- In some historical contexts, a man who was a cuckold might be mocked or ostracized by his community.
- The play explores the psychological trauma of a man who discovers he is a cuckold, highlighting the social stigma and personal betrayal associated with such a revelation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.