DictionaryAI

curmudgeon

noun
Saykur-MUJ-uhn/kɚˈmʌd͡ʒən/UK/kɜːˈmʌdʒ.ən/

Pluralcurmudgeons

2 meanings of curmudgeon

Practice

  1. 1
    grumpy personnouncountable
    A grumpy person, often an old man, who has strong ideas and will not change them.

    The old curmudgeon next door yells at kids who step on his grass.

    My grandpa likes to play the curmudgeon, but he is kind underneath.

    UsageOften an old curmudgeon, said with some fondness.

    Similargrouch, grump, crank

  2. 2
    stingy personnounarchaic
    A person who keeps their money and hates to spend any of it.

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Origin

Where this word comes from is unclear. It has been used since the late 1500s.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 2 facts