William Dunbar (born 1459 or 1460) is a Scottish makar poet active in the late fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century.

He is closely associated with the court of King James IV and produces a large body of work in Scots distinguished by its great variation in themes and literary styles.

He is likely a native of East Lothian, as assumed from a satirical reference in the Flyting of Dunbar and Kennedie.

His surname is also spelled Dumbar.