dumpling

American  

[duhmp-ling] / ˈdʌmp lɪŋ /

noun

1. a rounded mass of steamed and seasoned dough, often served in soup or with stewed meat.

2. a dessert consisting of a wrapping of dough enclosing sliced apples or other fruit, boiled or baked.

3. a short or stout person.

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dumpling British  

/ ˈdʌmplɪŋ /

noun

1. a small ball of dough cooked and served with stew

2. a pudding consisting of a round pastry case filled with fruit

   apple dumpling

3. informal  a short plump person

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Etymology

Origin of dumpling

1590–1600; dump (of uncertain origin) + -ling ¹

Compare meaning

How does dumpling compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gyoza vs. dumpling

Example Sentences

Abida, for decades a maker of “mouth-watering Afghan dumplings,” had recently been recognized as “Star Performer for the Month” when she was let go.

From The Wall Street Journal

We started with khinkali, handheld Georgian soup dumplings with thick, meaty fillings.

From Salon

No one is cashing in on America’s craze for dumplings more than the fast-growing Taiwanese restaurant group.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mahan paused, his chopsticks hovering over a custard dumpling.

From Los Angeles Times

Chicken and Dumplings float in a thyme-scented broth enriched with cream; the fluffy buttermilk dumplings melt in your mouth.

From The Wall Street Journal

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