booby

[ˈbuːbi]

booby Definition

  • 1a tropical seabird with a large bill and typically blue or brown plumage
  • 2a stupid or foolish person

Using booby: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "booby" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The booby bird is known for its distinctive blue feet.

  • Example

    Don't be such a booby and double-check your work before submitting it.

  • Example

    He felt like a complete booby after forgetting his own birthday.

booby Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for booby

Phrases with booby

  • a humorous prize given to the person who comes last in a competition

    Example

    The booby prize for the worst performance went to the team that lost every game.

  • a device intended to harm or surprise someone, consisting of a concealed or camouflaged container of explosive material, nails, or other unpleasant substances

    Example

    The soldiers were trained to spot and disarm booby traps left by the enemy.

  • an institution for the mentally ill

    Example

    After his breakdown, he spent several weeks in the booby hatch before being released.

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Summary: booby in Brief

The term 'booby' [ˈbuːbi] has two primary meanings. The first refers to a tropical seabird with blue or brown plumage and a distinctive bill. The second meaning is a derogatory term for a stupid or foolish person, often used in a humorous context. 'Booby' can also appear in phrases like 'booby prize' and 'booby trap,' which refer to a humorous prize or a dangerous device, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?