noun Uncommon

lumps

Lumps (noun) means Informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism. Example: “He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee.”

noun

Informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism.

"He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee."

"The startup took its lumps in the press after the product launch flopped."

How to use lumps

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGetting beaten up, or taking harsh criticism/punishment, used informally.

When to use it

Informal/idiomatic, typically in the phrase "take your lumps."

Common pairings

take your lumps take some lumps

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “lumps” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He took his _____ quietly rather than argue with the referee.

Rhymes for lumps

AMPS mumps jumps vamps stumps trumps gramps cramps clumps

See all rhymes for lumps →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lumps” mean?

The word “lumps” means informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism. In plain terms, getting beaten up, or taking harsh criticism/punishment, used informally.

How do you use “lumps” in a sentence?

Here is “lumps” used in a sentence: “He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee.”

What part of speech is “lumps”?

“Lumps” is a noun.

Is “lumps” a common word?

“Lumps” is an uncommon word in modern English.