Plump: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜Š
Add to dictionary

plump

 

[plสŒmp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person's appearance

having a full and rounded shape; slightly fat or well-rounded

Synonyms

chubby, chunky, rotund, round.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
plump

Often used in a positive or neutral sense to describe someone or something that is slightly overweight in a healthy or cute way.

  • She has a plump face that makes her look very youthful
  • The plump tomatoes were perfect for the salad
chubby

Typically used to describe children or babies who have a slightly overweight appearance. Can be affectionate but sometimes may sound less flattering if used for adults.

  • The child has a chubby face and big blue eyes
  • People love to pinch the chubby cheeks of the baby
round

Used to describe a shape that is circular or spherical. When referring to people, it can describe someone with a round face or body, and tends to be neutral.

  • Her round eyes sparkled with excitement
  • The cat was round and fluffy
rotund

Often used in a more formal or literary context to describe someone who is notably round or fat. Can sometimes sound old-fashioned.

  • The rotund gentleman walked with a jovial air
  • The rotund bellies of the Buddha statues were impressive
chunky

Describes someone or something with a solid, thick build. Can also refer to food or objects that are thick or contain large pieces.

  • He prefers chunky peanut butter over smooth
  • The dog was chunky and looked very strong

Examples of usage

  • She had a plump face and rosy cheeks.
  • The baby's plump cheeks were irresistible.
  • He was a plump man with a cheerful disposition.
Context #2 | Verb

describing the action of swelling or becoming round

to become or make something round and full in shape

Synonyms

fill out, puff up, swell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
plump

Used when describing something or someone that is round and full in a healthy or attractive way.

  • The baby has such plump cheeks.
  • She picked a plump apple from the tree.
swell

Used to describe something that becomes larger due to an increase in size or volume, often in a medical or emotional context.

  • Her ankle began to swell after she twisted it.
  • His heart swelled with pride.
puff up

Typically used to describe something inflating or becoming larger, sometimes in a boastful or pretentious way. Can be negative if implying arrogance.

  • The bird puffed up its feathers.
  • He tends to puff up his achievements when talking to others.
fill out

Often used when talking about completing forms or documents, or when someone gains weight and their body becomes fuller.

  • Please fill out this application form.
  • After a few months of good nutrition, he started to fill out.

Examples of usage

  • The berries plumped up after being soaked in water.
  • She plumped the cushions to make the sofa more comfortable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'plump' comes from the Middle English 'plumpe', which meant 'to fall heavily' or 'thump down'.
  • It is thought to be related to the Old Norse word 'plumpa', meaning to drop.
  • Over time, it evolved to describe the round, full shape of something rather than just a falling action.

Nutrition

  • Foods described as plump often have higher moisture content, making them juicier and more appealing to eat.
  • In the context of nutrition, items like fruits and vegetables can be plump when they are ripe and have absorbed enough water.
  • Plumpness in foods can often indicate freshness, as overly dehydrated fruits may lose their appealing texture.

Literature

  • In literature, the descriptor 'plump' is often used to evoke a sense of abundance or wealth, such as a 'plump purse' or 'plump cheeks'.
  • The word is frequently found in children's books, where characters may be described as plump to convey warmth and friendliness.
  • In poetry, 'plump' can serve as a metaphor for prosperity or fullness, enriching the imagery.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used affectionately in popular culture to describe characters, pets, or even food, suggesting warmth and comfort.
  • Plump characters in animated films, like those in Pixar movies, are often portrayed as humorous and genial.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that individuals often perceive plumpness positively, associating it with prosperity and health in certain cultures.
  • In some contexts, plumpness may also stir complex emotions related to body image and societal standards of beauty.

Translations

Translations of the word "plump" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gordo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ‹เคŸเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช dick

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gemuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะฒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pulchny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใตใฃใใ‚‰ใจใ—ใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท potelรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gordo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸiลŸman

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ†ตํ†ตํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู…ูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baculatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ baculatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธฐๆปก็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ debeli

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพykkur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะตะผั–ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒกแƒฃแƒฅแƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรถk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gordo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,689, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.