nerd

UK: /ˈnɜː^rd/ US: /nɝd/ ,(nûrd)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

nerd /nɜrd/   n. [countable] [Slang.]

1. Slang Terms a socially backward person, esp. one preoccupied with intellectual matters or with technology:
   a computer nerd.

nerd•y, adj., -i•er, -i•est: 

She thought the boy's glasses were nerdy.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

nerd  (nûrd), n. [Slang.]

1. Slang Terms a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.
2. Slang Terms an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit:
   a computer nerd.

Also, nurd. 

• obscurely derived expressive formation 1960–65, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

nerd, nurd / nɜːd/ noun

1. a person who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a specific subject: a history nerd
2. an unpopular or boring person, esp one lacking social skills

verb

1. usually followed by out: to engage wholeheartedly with or talk enthusiastically about a specific subject

ˈnerdish, ˈnurdish adjective

ˈnerdy, ˈnurdy adjective