dummy - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

mmy

Plural

dummies

a model of a human figure used for display or practice

A dummy is a three-dimensional model used to display clothing designs. Dummies are usually made to mimic the human body, with movable joints that allow for different poses to showcase the garments. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and foam, and come in different sizes to represent different body types. Dummies are a valuable tool for clothes designers and dressmakers to visualize how a garment will look on a person and to make necessary alterations before cutting and sewing the fabric. They can also be used in stores and showrooms to display clothing for customers to try on or view.

Firefighters trained with a dummy to practice rescues.
The special effects team created a dummy that looked exactly like the lead actor.
The magician used a dummy in his trick to confuse the audience.
Tailors use a dummy to fit clothes perfectly.
The stunt coordinator used a dummy for the dangerous fall scene.

Synonyms:

mannequin

a person who acts in a foolish or naive way

He felt like a dummy when he misunderstood the instructions.
She was called a dummy after making an obvious mistake.
They treated him like a dummy during the debate.
Don’t be a dummy, pay attention to the details.
The character was a classic dummy in the slapstick comedy.

Synonyms:

dunce fool idiot blockhead booby nitwit dumbbell simpleton nincompoop dope pinhead boob dolt

a round of ammunition without an explosive charge, used for training or practice

The instructor demonstrated the safety procedure using a dummy.
The dummy was used to simulate the firing of a real round.
The dummy was fired to test the recoil without using live ammunition.

Synonyms:

blank blank shell

a person who is unable to speak, often used in a derogatory or outdated context

The term "dummy" was once used to describe someone who couldn’t speak.
He was referred to as a dummy because of his inability to communicate verbally.
It’s important to avoid using "dummy" as it can be offensive to those with speech impairments.
The character in the play was portrayed as a mute, often called a "dummy" in old scripts.

Synonyms:

mute silent person

the partner of the declarer in a bridge game, whose hand is displayed face-up on the table for all players to see after the opening lead

In the card game bridge, the dummy is the player who is partnered with the declarer but does not actively participate in playing the hand after the first card is led. Once the opening lead is made, this player's cards are placed face-up on the table for everyone to see. The declarer then plays both their own hand and the dummy's hand, making all decisions for both. The dummy does not make any choices or take part in the strategy but simply follows the rules of the game by letting the declarer control their cards and try to win the required number of tricks.

The dummy's cards are revealed after the first card is played in a bridge game.
As the declarer's partner, the dummy can only watch as the declarer plays their hand.
The dummy's cards are an essential part of the strategy in bridge.
The declarer's success often depends on how well they use the dummy's hand.
In the game, the dummy provides an advantage by allowing the declarer to plan their moves based on the visible cards.

a pacifier used to soothe a baby

The baby dropped the dummy and started crying until it was given back.
She couldn't find her baby's favorite dummy, so she was a bit upset.
Some parents use a dummy to help their child self-soothe.
He handed the baby a dummy to calm her down.
The baby fell asleep quickly with her dummy in her mouth.

Synonyms:

pacifier

a word or phrase that has no real meaning but serves a grammatical function, often used as a placeholder

"There" in "There is a book on the table" functions as a dummy subject.
"It" in "It is raining" is a dummy subject.
Dummy words like "there" and "it" help maintain sentence structure without adding meaning.
A dummy subject is used in sentences like "It seems that..." or "There is a problem."
"It" is often used as a dummy to fill the subject position in English sentences.