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
1
Slightly overweight in a soft, rounded way.
"Obviously the chubby child was eating too much."
"Slowly Skye wrapped her arms around the chubby woman's frame and rested her head on Rita's chest drenched with perspiration."
— Marsha Hubler, The Long Ride Home (2010)
"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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- chubbies
- Comparative
- chubbier
- Superlative
- chubbiest
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for chubby
See all rhymes for chubby →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.
