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noun

butterball

Butterball (noun) means a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape. Example: “A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds.”

noun
1
A small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape.
"A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds."
2
An overweight person, used informally and often unkindly.
"He joked about being a butterball after the holidays."

How to use butterball

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA round, plump duck species, or informally, a chubby person.

When to use it

The "overweight person" sense is informal and can be considered insulting.

Word forms

butterballs plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ paddled quietly near the reeds.

Etymology

From butter plus ball.

fatty fatso dipper roly-poly fat person bufflehead

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “butterball” mean?

The word “butterball” means a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape. In plain terms, a round, plump duck species, or informally, a chubby person.

How do you use “butterball” in a sentence?

Here is “butterball” used in a sentence: “A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds.”

What part of speech is “butterball”?

“Butterball” is a noun.

How many meanings does “butterball” have?

“Butterball” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial