adj Uncommon

chubby

CHUH-bee

Chubby (adj) means slightly overweight in a soft, rounded way. Example: “The baby had chubby cheeks that everyone loved to pinch.”

adj

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

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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

cubby tubby hubby bubby grubby stubby

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “chubby” mean?

The word “chubby” means slightly overweight in a soft, rounded way. In plain terms, a bit plump or round, usually in a way that sounds affectionate rather than critical.

How do you pronounce “chubby”?

“Chubby” is pronounced CHUH-bee (/ˈt͡ʃʌbi/ in IPA).

How do you use “chubby” in a sentence?

Here is “chubby” used in a sentence: “The baby had chubby cheeks that everyone loved to pinch.”

What part of speech is “chubby”?

“Chubby” is an adjective.

Is “chubby” a common word?

“Chubby” is an uncommon word in modern English.