WordGarden.iochunky
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈʌŋki/
US
- /ˈtʃəŋki/
Meanings
Adjective
containing chunks or having a coarse, lumpy texture
thick, bulky, or heavy-looking in shape or style
short, sturdy, and thickset in body build
Beyond the definition
"Chunky" isn't about being thin and delicate—it's about having some heft. Think of a chunky sweater on a cold day, or chunky salsa brimming with big pieces of tomato and onion. It describes something that is noticeably thick, substantial, or made up of larger-than-usual pieces. You might describe a dog as "chunky" if it is pleasantly plump, or a piece of jewelry as "chunky" if it's bold and not dainty. The word evokes a sense of solidity and presence.
Sometimes "chunky" is used to describe something that isn't physically massive but looks that way because of its shape or construction—like chunky platform shoes. It's often a positive descriptor, suggesting something cozy, comforting, or visually interesting. When it's used for a person’s body, though, it can sound affectionate or teasing (and sometimes unkind), depending on tone.
The word "chunky" describes something that is noticeably thick, solid, or made up of big pieces, and it often suggests a slightly rough or irregular texture. It's a wonderfully evocative word that appeals to both our sense of sight and touch. Think about a homemade chocolate chip cookie—not thin and crispy, but dense and filled with generous chunks of chocolate. That's chunky.
It comes from the idea of a "chunk": a thick, solid piece. Early on, "chunky" often described the build of a person or animal (for example, a "chunky Labrador"). It can still be used that way today, but you need to be careful—applied to people, it can feel judgmental if it suggests being overweight. Over time, the meaning has broadened, and now we use it for anything that isn’t sleek or refined but instead has a pleasing substantiality.
You might describe knitting yarn as "chunky" if it's thick and creates a textured fabric, or peanut butter and soup as "chunky" if they contain noticeable bits and pieces instead of being smooth. In design, "chunky" can refer to bold, blocky shapes or a style that emphasizes volume over delicacy. A chunky heel on a shoe is wider and more substantial than a stiletto.
Interestingly, "chunky" isn't necessarily negative. It often implies something cozy, comforting, or even stylishly rustic—like a chunky knit blanket on a cold winter night. In more figurative uses, it can mean "blocky" rather than sleek (for example, chunky pixels or a chunky user interface). So, if something feels solid, substantial, and a little rough around the edges, "chunky" may be the perfect word.
Examples
- 1
Food texture
I like my tomato soup chunky, with pieces of onion and carrot in it.
- 2
Peanut butter
She spread chunky peanut butter on her toast before work.
- 3
Clothing
He pulled on a chunky knit sweater before we went outside.
- Phrasechunky knit
made in a thick, heavy style
- 4
Footwear style
Chunky boots were everywhere in the shops that fall.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Furniture
The room felt warmer after they added a chunky wooden coffee table.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- chunkyadjective
Forms
- chunkiercomparativeadjective
- chunkiestsuperlativeadjective