dumpy

¹

[ duhm-pee ]

adjective

, dump·i·er, dump·i·est.

1. dumpish; dejected; sulky.

dumpy

²

[ duhm-pee ]

adjective

, dump·i·er, dump·i·est.

1. short and stout; squat:

   a dumpy figure.

dumpy

¹

/ ˈdʌmpɪ; ˈdʌmpɪʃ /

adjective

1. rare.
   in low spirits; depressed; morose

dumpy

²

/ ˈdʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. short and plump; squat

Derived Forms

• ˈdumpily, adverb
• ˈdumpiness, noun

Other Words From

• dumpi·ly adverb
• dumpi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dumpy¹

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

Origin of dumpy²

First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps akin to dumpling

Word History and Origins

Origin of dumpy¹

C17: from C16 dump; see dumps

Origin of dumpy²

C18: perhaps related to dumpling

Example Sentences

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.

From Ars Technica

Lupoi, on the other hand, wore a dumpy black coat and generally looked like a Brooklyn schlub.

From The Daily Beast

Every study ever performed has shown that the fit and lean outlive the dumpy and diffident every time.

From The Daily Beast

After more than two decades of merchandising her looks, Elizabeth was anxious about appearing dumpy.

From The Daily Beast

Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.

From Project Gutenberg

With his dumpy figure in the long coat, and his round face under the tall hat, the little man was irresistible.

From Project Gutenberg

"'Tis a matter of taste, but I couldn't fancy corpses as furniture," observed the Dumpy Philosopher.

From Project Gutenberg

The chain kinked time and again as he groped with the undermost hand for the openings; his dumpy, pudgy form writhed grotesquely.

From Project Gutenberg

A dumpy, rosy-faced woman was Mrs Jeal, with a pair of extremely wicked black eyes which snapped fire when she was angered.

From Project Gutenberg