What is plump? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of plump in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of plump

plumpadjective

đầy đặn

/plʌmp//plʌmp/

Where does the word plump come from?

The English word "plump" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "ploem" or "ploemig," which means "round" or "full." This Dutch word was most likely borrowed by the Old English language upon the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century. The Old English word for "round" or "full" was "hrū" (pronounced "hroo"), which shares a substratal connection with the Germanic word "hrugō" meaning "swelling" or "round object." However, around the 14th century, the Middle Dutch word "ploem" replaced the Old English word "hrū" and its Germanic analogue to mean "full" or "round," particularly in reference to fruits and vegetables. In the late Middle English period, from around the 15th century onwards, the word "plump," meaning "fat" or "plumply," began to emerge as a variant form of "ploem" or "ploemig." This new term seemed to have been influenced by the Old Norse word "plumb" meaning "to swell" or "to be full," which was preserved in some dialects of Scandinavian languages. Overall, the origin of "plump" can be traced back to various Germanic words for "full" or "round," which were borrowed or adapted by Middle Dutch and Middle English speakers in different times and under varying linguistic and cultural circumstances.

Vocabulary summary plump

typeadjective

meaningplump, plump, plump

exampleto fall plump into the river

exampleto plump someone down into the pound

typetransitive verb

meaningplump

exampleto fall plump into the river

exampleto plump someone down into the pound

Example of vocabulary plumpnamespace

meaning

having a soft, round body; slightly fat

  • a short, plump woman
  • His plump face was pink with embarrassment.
  • That dress makes you look rather plump.
  • After indulging in a delicious meal, Sarah's cheeks became plump with delight.
  • The juicy peaches at the farmer's market were so plump they nearly burst in her hand.
meaning

looking soft, full and attractive to use or eat

  • plump cushions
  • plump tomatoes

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