# Theodore

/ˈθiəˌdɔɹ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/theodore
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who is very slow or lazy. It is a very old-fashioned and rare word for someone who does not like to work.

For teachers: a person who is habitually lazy or slow-moving. A rare and archaic term, occasionally found in specific regional dialects or historical literature.

## Examples

- Don't be such a theodore and help me move these boxes.
- The old foreman complained that the new apprentices were a bunch of theodores who spent more time leaning on shovels than digging.
- While the rest of the crew worked with frantic energy to repair the mast, he remained a stubborn theodore, watching the storm clouds gather with an indifference that bordered on the pathological.

## Usage notes

- Used as a common noun rather than a proper name in this specific, rare sense.

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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.