Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

dumpy

1 American  
[duhm-pee] / ˈdʌm pi /

adjective

dumpier, dumpiest
  1. dumpish; dejected; sulky.


dumpy 2 American  
[duhm-pee] / ˈdʌm pi /

adjective

dumpier, dumpiest
  1. short and stout; squat.

    a dumpy figure.


dumpy 1 British  
/ ˈdʌmpɪ /

adjective

  1. short and plump; squat

"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

dumpy 2 British  
/ ˈdʌmpɪ, ˈdʌmpɪʃ /

adjective

  1. rare in low spirits; depressed; morose

"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

Other Word Forms

  • dumpily adverb
  • dumpiness noun

Etymology

Origin of dumpy1

First recorded in 1610–20; dump(s) + -y 1

Origin of dumpy2

First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps akin to dumpling

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.

Ragoravich’s dacha is a “garish and almost grotesque” palace clad in marble that makes Maggie think of Versailles, but in a way that makes Versailles seem dumpy.

From Los Angeles Times

But unlike the notoriously dumpy Slough House setting of “Slow Horses,” much of “MI-5” took place — though was not shot — inside the agency’s grand Thames House headquarters in London.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking about her weight and obesity in a TV special, the US broadcaster and actress said she would "never forget" called "bumpy, lumpy and down right dumpy" on a magazine cover.

From BBC

“Well, it was pretty dumpy by the end,” Naidorf says, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times

That roadway used to be attractive but now it’s just a dumpy safety hazard!

From Seattle Times