frump

[fruhmp]

noun

1. a person who is dowdy, drab, and unattractive.

2. a dull, old-fashioned person.

frump

/ frʌmp /

noun

1. a woman who is dowdy, drab, or unattractive

Other Word Forms

• frumpish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frump¹

First recorded in 1545–55; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of frump¹

C16 (in the sense: to be sullen; C19: dowdy woman): from Middle Dutch verrompelen to wrinkle, _rumple

Example Sentences

The typecasting as wallflowers and frumps confused her.

From New York Times

The 38 outfits designed for Diana by William Ivey Long dramatized how she transformed herself from kindergarten teacher to royal frump to executive princess to international fashion plate far better than the writers did.

From New York Times

When we first meet her, she’s a frump, virtually a nonentity, an overweight pastor’s spouse, invisible except as a “warm cloud of momminess.”

From New York Times

Mohammed is amusing as the nervous sycophant, as is Jane Stanness as a frump whose submerged libido and unsuspected spying skill are played for laughs.

From New York Times

The rest insist I am a joyless frump.

From The Guardian