lumpy

American  

[luhm-pee] / ˈlʌm pi /

adjective

lumpier, lumpiest

1. full of lumps.

   lumpy gravy.

2. covered with lumps, 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.

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lumpy British  

/ ˈlʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. full of or having lumps

2. (esp of the sea) rough

3. (of a person) heavy or bulky

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Other Word Forms

• lumpily
  adverb
• lumpiness
  noun
• unlumpy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lumpy

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

Explanation

Lumpy things are uneven and full of bumps or chunks. While lumpy oatmeal might be good, a lumpy mattress can make it impossible to get a good night's sleep. It's easier to play a game of croquet on a smooth lawn, rather than a lumpy field full of bumps and holes. And you may find a silky bowl of chocolate pudding delicious, but be disgusted by the texture of a lumpy serving of tapioca pudding. The adjective lumpy, by way of the noun lump, comes from the Old English lumpe, from a Scandinavian root.

Example Sentences

At least it didn’t propose that Chewbacca has a son named Lumpy and a father named Itchy.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024

Technically, Hot Rats was Zappa’s second solo album, though his first, Lumpy Gravy, was an orchestral work which he conducted rather than played on.

From The Guardian • Dec. 13, 2019

That’s right: It may finally be time for a trilogy of films about Chewbacca’s son, Lumpy.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2019

The Land of Ooo is where they live, with its Candy Kingdom, Ice Kingdom, Flame Kingdom, Nightosphere and Lumpy Space, each with its issues, its creatures, its customs, its king or princess.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2018

Audrey took a step back just as Lumpy rounded the corner and she stumbled against him.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Related Words

• bumpy
• chunky
• irregular