tummy
Americannoun
-
tummies
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of tummy
First recorded in 1865–70; nursery alteration of stomach
Explanation
Tummy is an informal shorthand for stomach. This word is mainly used for talking to little kids: "Aw, do you have a tummy ache?" You wouldn't use the word tummy in your human anatomy class, but you might use it when you babysit your two-year-old niece. Infants sometimes have "tummy time," a short period when they are turned onto their stomachs so they can develop their neck and shoulder muscles. Tummy has been in use since the 19th century, and experts guess that it comes from a childish pronunciation of stomach.
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.
See Examples For:
Among patients 66 and older, demand for breast augmentations, tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and facelifts all increased by double digits.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026
The researchers, from Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, said it was "extremely exciting" to have a non-invasive method to treat the condition, without the need to put a needle or telescope into the mother's tummy.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
There was a collective swoon when news came through on Thursday that McTominay, the totem, had an iffy tummy, but he's good now.
From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026
The medical term for my ailment is an asymmetrical gluteal cleft, though requests to fix it are far less common than those to eliminate cellulite, flatten the tummy, or augment the breasts.
From Slate ● Feb. 22, 2026
Nate put the dog down on the rug then, and she literally turned over onto her back so that we would all scratch her tummy.
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
That’s so guests have enough room in their tummies to try out six different kinds of ramen, two at each spot during the tour.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 24, 2024
“There are grandparents who in their day were told to put their babies to sleep on their tummies, and they may be influencing the decisions parents are making.”
From Washington Post ● Apr. 10, 2022
Our tummies can't digest lactose as we get older.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2021
The greatness of this game was not created by everybody involved tickling each other's tummies.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2021
The four of them filled their tummies, and while they did, Penelope puzzled over how much had changed.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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