The 1916–17 season was the 40th Scottish football season in which Dumbarton competed at national level, entering the Scottish Football League.

In addition Dumbarton played in the Dumbartonshire Charity Cup.

This was the third season of war-time football, where the playing of all other national competitions, including the Scottish Cup, were suspended.

Dumbarton finished 10th out of 20 in the league, with 35 points, 29 behind champions Celtic.

Source:[90] In addition James Arnott, John Chalmers, Alfred Gettins, Peter McFie and Arthur Murphy all played their final 'first XI' games in Dumbarton colours.