What does plump mean?
Plump is a versatile word that most often describes someone or something pleasantly rounded, full, or well-filled. A person may be described as plump, particularly a child or someone with a cheerful, substantial appearance, while plump fruit, cushions, or pastries suggest generous volume and softness. The word can sound affectionate and positive, although its use about adult bodies may sometimes be considered insensitive. As a verb, plump can mean to become fuller or make something fuller, as in plump fruit, and it can also mean to fall or drop heavily, usually in informal expressions such as plumping down. A plump person or thing can be called a plump, though this noun use is uncommon. Overall, plump is more conversational than technical, and it emphasizes visible fullness rather than a precise measurement.
Pleasantly rounded or full in appearance, especially in the body.
"The child had plump cheeks and an infectious laugh."
Often affectionate or descriptive; consider the context when referring to an adult's body.
To become or make something fuller or more rounded.
"After the rain, the berries plumped in the warmth of the sun."
Common with fruit, vegetables, and other foodstuffs, and also used figuratively in phrases such as plump out.
To fall or drop heavily onto something.
"He plumped down beside her without asking first."
Informal and often used with down.
A person or thing that is plump.
"The little plump refused to leave the warm basket."
Uncommon as a standalone noun, though it can occur in literary or affectionate usage.
The noun is uncommon, but the regular plural is plumps.
"The storybook portrayed the plumps as friendly, round-shared characters."
The word plump can describe a person, a fruit, or even a cushion, but it usually carries a warm, affectionate sense of fullness rather than simply a neutral measurement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plump come from?
The word comes from Middle English, where it was already used for a rounded or full appearance. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although it may have been influenced by Old French forms meaning swollen or thick. The separate word plum, referring to the fruit, is not a direct English derivative of plump and should not be confused with it.
Related word forms
How plump is actually used
Plump is generally friendly or affectionate when describing a person's body, especially a child's, but it can be less natural or more insulting when used in formal or critical contexts. In the sense of falling heavily, it is informal and commonly appears in the expression plump down. The noun is uncommon in modern usage.
Easily confused with plump
Plump describes someone or something rounded and full-bodied, whereas a plum is a fruit with a smooth skin and a stone or pit inside.