lumpy

[ luhm-pee ]

adjective

, lump·i·er, lump·i·est.

1. full of lumps: lump:

   lumpy gravy.

2. covered with lumps, lump, as a surface.
3. heavy or clumsy, as in movement or style; crude:

   a lumpy gait; a lumpy narrative.

4. (of water) rough or choppy.

lumpy

/ ˈlʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. full of or having lumps
2. (esp of the sea) rough
3. (of a person) heavy or bulky

Derived Forms

• ˈlumpiness, noun
• ˈlumpily, adverb

Other Words From

• lumpi·ly adverb
• lumpi·ness noun
• un·lumpy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lumpy¹

First recorded in 1700–10; lump ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Once the grass is gone, grade the soil to be sure it is level and not lumpy.

From Popular-Science

Minced fresh garlic would make it lumpy, thanks in part to the moisture, but the dry powder is much more easily dispersed.

From Washington Post

A truly strange, lumpy, funny, wise book that seems to both praise and blame human passion, and romance, and aspiration … The reason it didn’t click before, I think, was that life was too fast.

From Time

Co-founder Leif Abraham told TC’s Alex Wilhelm in December that the company’s growth has been consistent instead of lumpy, expanding at around 30% each month.

From TechCrunch

Whether you just bought a new bed, or the pillow you’ve been using is old, lumpy, and smelly, getting a new pillow is never a bad idea.

From Popular-Science

Objects more massive than a certain amount are more spherical than not, while punier specimens are lumpy and irregular.

From The Daily Beast

As the ground under foot grew unusually lumpy, I worried I was stepping on tombs.

From The Daily Beast

But of course, states are lumpy, with pockets of wealth and poverty.

From The Daily Beast

She may face complications down the road, which is why she included a picture of her once-lumpy backside in her book, Shot Girls.

From The Daily Beast

Save the lumpy reindeer sweaters for next year and pack up the black: make the rounds at holiday parties this week in bright red.

From The Daily Beast

Mademoiselle set the tray which she brought in upon a small table near at hand, and seated herself once again on the lumpy sofa.

From Project Gutenberg

"I think he must have wound them himself," remarked Louise, shaking her head over the lumpy, unsymmetrical ball she held.

From Project Gutenberg

"That'll be the best place for the tenderfoot," growled Lumpy Bates.

From Project Gutenberg

Lumpy was so taken by surprise that he had no time to save himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Lumpy gave no heed to the command, but broke into a run for Stacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bumpy
• chunky
• irregular