lumpy

adjective

ˈləm-pē 

lumpier; lumpiest

1

a

: filled or covered with lumps

b

: characterized by choppy waves

2

: having a heavy clumsy appearance

3

: uneven and often crude in style

lumpily

ˈləm-pə-lē 

adverb

lumpiness

ˈləm-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• chunky
• clumpy
• curdy
• nubbly
• nubby

Examples of lumpy in a Sentence

the lumpy mashed potatoes were cold as well

before painting, we had to sand the lumpy surface to make it smooth

Recent Examples on the Web

Ideally, lumpy textures should be introduced as early as possible so the child can learn to use their tongue and jaw to manipulate and swallow food, a process that requires 30 different muscles to work together, said Susan Greenberg, a speech pathologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Scientists can’t say for sure that is happening because of the feature’s lumpy appearance and curious lack of flow features. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Don’t show up to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Show in a lumpy blue sweater. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

The 507 was envisioned by its American importer, Max Hoffman, who encouraged BMW to pull the big V8 out of its large and lumpy executive sedans and wrap it in a lithe sports car body. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lumpy

• lumpy jaw

Kids Definition

lumpy

adjective

ˈləm-pē 

lumpier; lumpiest

: having or full of lumps

lumpiness noun