English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

chubby

CHUH-bee
adj
1
Slightly overweight in a soft, rounded way.
"The baby had chubby cheeks that everyone loved to pinch."
"He's always had a chubby build, even as a teenager."

How to Use Chubby

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bit plump or round, usually in a way that sounds affectionate rather than critical.

When to use it

Generally gentler and more affectionate in tone than \"fat\" or \"overweight\", especially used of babies and children.

Common pairings
chubby cheeks chubby fingers

Word Forms

chubbier comparative, chubbies plural, chubbiest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “chubby” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The baby had _____ cheeks that everyone loved to pinch.

Etymology

From chub (a thick-bodied fish, also an old nickname for a plump person) + the adjective-forming suffix -y.

Rhymes for chubby

See all rhymes for chubby →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial