corpulence

Also cor·pu·len·cy

[kawr-pyuh-luhns]

noun

1. bulkiness or largeness of body; fatness; portliness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpulence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word corpulentia. See corpulent, -ence

Example Sentences

Historically, corpulence was prized in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

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What has happened to our society in 30 years, where the definition of beauty has morphed into a celebration of unappealing corpulence?

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As Ronald McDonald, Mr. Scott did several local TV commercials for the franchise but was passed over — in consequence of his corpulence, he later said — as its national representative.

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His thick musculature having bloated into unhealthy corpulence, Maradona was hospitalized in Buenos Aires in April 2004 with what doctors described as a weakened heart and acute breathing problems.

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His striking physical resemblance to his grandfather, channeling his clothing, gait and corpulence, secured his place as the latest iteration of the country’s preordained leadership.

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