noun
chump
chuhmp
Chump (noun) means a foolish or gullible person; someone easily fooled or taken advantage of. Example: “Only a chump would fall for that scam twice.”
noun
1
A foolish or gullible person; someone easily fooled or taken advantage of.
"Only a chump would fall for that scam twice."
"He felt like a total chump after signing the contract without reading it."
2
The thick, blunt end of something, such as a piece of wood or a cut of meat.
"The butcher trimmed the chump end off the loin."
verb
1
To cheat or take advantage of someone.
"They chumped him out of his life savings."
How to use chump
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who's been played for a fool, or the blunt, thick part of something.
Common mistake
Mostly used informally as an insult ("don't be a chump") — not neutral or polite phrasing.
Common pairings
play someone for a chump
feel like a chump
chump change
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Word forms
- Plural
- chumps
- Third person singular
- chumps
- Past tense
- chumped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would fall for that scam twice.
Etymology
Origin unclear — likely a blend of "chunk" and "lump" (or "stump"), possibly related to "chub" (something chubby or thick).
Related words
Rhymes for chump
See all rhymes for chump →Frequently asked questions
What does “chump” mean?
The word “chump” means a foolish or gullible person; someone easily fooled or taken advantage of. In plain terms, someone who's been played for a fool, or the blunt, thick part of something.
How do you pronounce “chump”?
“Chump” is pronounced chuhmp (/t͡ʃʌmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “chump” in a sentence?
Here is “chump” used in a sentence: “Only a chump would fall for that scam twice.”
What is another word for “chump”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chump” include blockhead, idiot, dope, dolt, dunce and dummy.
What part of speech is “chump”?
Depending on how it is used, “chump” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “chump” have?
“Chump” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a foolish or gullible person; someone easily fooled or taken advantage of.
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