adj
dumpy
DUHM-pee
Dumpy (adj) means Short and stout in build; stocky. Example: “The dumpy little dog waddled across the yard.”
adj
1
Short and stout in build; stocky.
"The dumpy little dog waddled across the yard."
2
(informal) Shabby or run-down, like a garbage dump.
"They stayed in a dumpy motel just off the highway."
How to use dumpy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither short and stocky in shape, or shabby and run-down, depending on context.
When to use it
Informal; can sound unflattering when describing a person's build.
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Word forms
- Plural
- dumpies
- Comparative
- dumpier
- Superlative
- dumpiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ little dog waddled across the yard.
Etymology
First attested in 1750; exact origin unknown. Perhaps derived from, or cognate with, dumpling, or from the noun sense of dump.
Related words
Rhymes for dumpy
See all rhymes for dumpy →Frequently asked questions
What does “dumpy” mean?
The word “dumpy” means short and stout in build; stocky. In plain terms, either short and stocky in shape, or shabby and run-down, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “dumpy”?
“Dumpy” is pronounced DUHM-pee (/ˈdʌmpi/ in IPA).
How do you use “dumpy” in a sentence?
Here is “dumpy” used in a sentence: “The dumpy little dog waddled across the yard.”
What part of speech is “dumpy”?
“Dumpy” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “dumpy” have?
“Dumpy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short and stout in build; stocky.
