nubbly

or knub·bly

[ nuhb-lee ]

adjective

, nub·bli·er, nub·bli·est.

1. full of small protuberances.
2. in the form of small lumps.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nubbly¹

First recorded in 1820–30; nubble + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The sloth’s nubbly nylon “fur” does the scrubbing, its front paws grasp a handy hanging cord and a wan, stitched-in half smile serves as a reminder that the scullery duty is only temporary.

From Los Angeles Times

My description thus far makes this sound like a clash-of-civilizations novel, or a techno nail-biter, something out of Neal Stephenson or Stephen King, but it doesn’t read that way: It’s more nubbly.

From New York Times

“Bewilderment” isn’t cozy, exactly, but it’s got a nubbly sentimentality.

From New York Times

Back then, visitors — some in long skirts and petticoats — liked to scramble around on the island’s nubbly boulders, Bench told me.

From Washington Post

Once I learned to read, I took to raising myself up on my tiptoes to borrow that book and carrying it to the nubbly lime green couch in the playroom.

From New York Times