nubby

American  

[nuhb-ee] / ˈnʌb i /

Also nubbed,

adjective

nubbier, nubbiest

1. having nubs; knobby or lumpy.

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ˈnubby British  

/ ˈnʌbɪ /

adjective

1. having small lumps or protuberances; knobbly

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Etymology

Origin of nubby

First recorded in 1875–80; nub + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“It was a big opportunity to come to America because Korea is very small,” Han says in Korean while continuing to draft with his nubby yellow #2 pencil.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

Sy’s attention to physical surfaces — shimmering water, nubby cloth, smooth bark — is particularly adept and helps create a sense of texture so strong you can almost feel it in your hands.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Stone ground mustards bring great flavor and an appealing nubby texture, since some or all of the seeds are left intact or just slightly crushed.

From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2023

A nubby gray couch cushion provided the photo backdrop for the Badgley Mischka heels I purchased from Facebook Sinema.

From Slate • Dec. 15, 2022

Kojo jabbed the nubby down button for the elevator.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein