dumpy

[ duhm-pee ]

See synonyms for dumpy on Thesaurus.com

adjective,dump·i·er, dump·i·est.

dumpish; dejected; sulky.

Origin of dumpy

First recorded in 1610–20; dump(s) + -y¹

Words Nearby dumpy

Other definitions for dumpy (2 of 2)

dumpy²

[ duhm-pee ]

adjective,dump·i·er, dump·i·est.

short and stout; squat: a dumpy figure.

Origin of dumpy

First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps akin to dumpling

Other words from dumpy

dump·i·ly, adverb
dump·i·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dumpy in a sentence

I find it hard to put myself in the head of a non-book-reader for this, but so far it’s a bit lore-dumpy, and too many of the characters have yet to come into focus.
Andrew and Lee dissect The Wheel of Time’s television premiere | Andrew Cunningham | November 19, 2021 | Ars Technica
Lupoi, on the other hand, wore a dumpy black coat and generally looked like a Brooklyn schlub.
Mafia’s Cocaine-in-a-Can Bust | Michael Daly | February 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Every study ever performed has shown that the fit and lean outlive the dumpy and diffident every time.
Cool It on the CrossFit: What’s Rhabdomyolysis? | Kent Sepkowitz | October 11, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
After more than two decades of merchandising her looks, Elizabeth was anxious about appearing dumpy.
Liz Taylor's Secret Life | William J. Mann | October 19, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford

With his dumpy figure in the long coat, and his round face under the tall hat, the little man was irresistible.
The Shepherd of the Hills | Harold Bell Wright
"'Tis a matter of taste, but I couldn't fancy corpses as furniture," observed the dumpy Philosopher.
A Drake by George! | John Trevena
The chain kinked time and again as he groped with the undermost hand for the openings; his dumpy, pudgy form writhed grotesquely.
The Escape of Mr. Trimm | Irvin S. Cobb
A dumpy, rosy-faced woman was Mrs Jeal, with a pair of extremely wicked black eyes which snapped fire when she was angered.
The Pagan's Cup | Fergus Hume

British Dictionary definitions for dumpy (1 of 2)

dumpy¹

/ (ˈdʌmpɪ) /

adjectivedumpier or dumpiest

short and plump; squat

Origin of dumpy

C18: perhaps related to dumpling

Derived forms of dumpy

dumpily, adverb
dumpiness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for dumpy (2 of 2)

dumpy²

dumpish (ˈdʌmpɪʃ)

/ (ˈdʌmpɪ) /

adjective

rare in low spirits; depressed; morose

Origin of dumpy

C17: from C16 dump; see dumps

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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