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 Words From

• frumpish 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 best scholar in her class, she was never called a grind and she was far from being a frump.

From Project Gutenberg

We might as well be in a desert island,” continued Vera, “shut up from everything with an old frump.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Waller had a horror of being classed as a frump; instead, she prided herself on being exceedingly modern and up-to-date.

From Project Gutenberg

One thing was the same every time; they were never to cross or frump her, any way, but to humour and please her in everything.

From Project Gutenberg

The people inside the shop stood up, with their mouths full of cake, and out came an old frump with a terrible hat and a fringe.

From Project Gutenberg