chubby
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of chubby
Explanation
Someone who's chubby is plump or slightly overweight. If the vet mentions that your cat's getting a little chubby, you might need to cut down on the cat treats. Many toddlers and young children have round, chubby cheeks, puppies have chubby little bellies, and Santa Claus is perhaps the most famously chubby mythical figure. The word chubby dates from the early 17th century, when it literally meant "looks like a chub," a somewhat round-shaped river fish. There may also be a connection to the Old Norse kumben, "stumpy."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Other inductees included arena rockers Bad Company, who sang "Can't Get Enough," and "The Twist" singer Chubby Checker.
From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025
The two companies agreed to a settlement in July, and Chubby has ceased operations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025
Chubby reformed its sandwiches in the shape of clouds.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025
Half of the 14 nominees are first-timers, including English punk star Billy Idol, rock and roll pioneer Chubby Checker, and "mad dog with soul" Joe Cocker.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025
Chubby Italian infants covered their eyes with chubby fingers.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
