goofball

noun

goof·​ball ˈgüf-ˌbȯl How to pronounce goofball (audio)
1
slang : a barbiturate sleeping pill
2
: a goofy person

Examples of goofball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His third nom came in 2005 for playing King Arthur in the hugely popular goofball musical Monty Python’s Spamalot, based the 1975 movie Monty Python’s Holy Grail. — Lisa De Los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Forte has always had something of a cartoon-ready constitution, with his rubbery physicality and goofball charm. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026 Rush is ostensibly not aware of these two goofballs in the audience. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 30 July 2026 There are twerking mascots and blue-haired goofballs for those with eyes to see them. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for goofball

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goofball was in 1950

Rhymes for goofball

See All Rhymes for goofball

Browse Nearby Words

goof around
goofball
goofer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goofball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goofball. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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