noun
Uncommon
lump
luhmp
Lump (noun) means a solid piece or mass of something without a definite shape. Example: “She added a lump of butter to the pan.”
noun
1
A solid piece or mass of something without a definite shape.
"She added a lump of butter to the pan."
"He stirred the sauce until every lump of flour had dissolved."
"A lump of clay sat on the potter's wheel, waiting to be shaped."
2
A swelling or growth felt under the skin.
"The doctor asked her to describe the lump she'd found."
"I felt a small lump on my neck and booked an appointment."
"A painless lump under the arm should always be checked by a nurse."
verb
1
To group different things together as if they were the same, without much care for their differences.
"It's unfair to lump all the applicants together like that."
"Don't lump the two groups together just because they share a name."
"Critics tend to lump these very different writers into a single category."
How to use lump
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shapeless chunk of something, a bodily swelling, or (as a verb) grouping things together carelessly.
Common mistake
A "lump" under the skin should always be mentioned to a doctor — in casual usage it's neutral, but people often use it specifically to describe something worth checking medically.
Common pairings
lump of sugar
lump sum
lump together
a lump in your throat
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Word forms
- Plural
- lumps
- Third person singular
- lumps
- Past tense
- lumped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She added a _____ of butter to the pan.
Etymology
From Middle English lumpe, from a Germanic root related to words for something loose or hanging — compare German Lumpen, "rag."
Related words
Rhymes for lump
See all rhymes for lump →Frequently asked questions
What does “lump” mean?
The word “lump” means a solid piece or mass of something without a definite shape. In plain terms, a shapeless chunk of something, a bodily swelling, or (as a verb) grouping things together carelessly.
How do you pronounce “lump”?
“Lump” is pronounced luhmp (/lʌmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “lump” in a sentence?
Here is “lump” used in a sentence: “She added a lump of butter to the pan.”
What part of speech is “lump”?
Depending on how it is used, “lump” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lump” come from?
The word “lump” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lumpe, from a Germanic root related to words for something loose or hanging — compare German Lumpen, "rag.".
Is “lump” a common word?
“Lump” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lump” have?
“Lump” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a solid piece or mass of something without a definite shape.
What is the difference between lump and chunk?
Both words describe a solid piece or mass of something without a definite shape, and they're often interchangeable. Chunk sometimes suggests a piece deliberately cut or broken off, while lump can also refer to a swelling, such as one felt under the skin.
What does it mean to "lump" things together?
As a verb, to lump things together means to group different items or people as if they were the same, without much care for their individual differences. It often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting an oversimplified or careless grouping.
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