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pudgy

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈʌdʒi/

US

  • /ˈpədʒi/

Description

Imagine a baby animal—a little bear cub, perhaps—with soft, rounded cheeks and a comfortably full belly. That's often what comes to mind when we think of "pudgy." It describes someone or something that is pleasantly plump; not necessarily overweight, but definitely not thin!

"Pudgy" usually sounds gentler than words like "fat." You might describe a kitten, a toddler's hand, or a person's cheeks this way. It suggests softness and roundness more than size alone. Think of a snowman—soft-looking, round, and pleasantly full. However, be careful when using it for people; some may not like the term, so context matters.

Examples

  1. 1

    Baby description

    The baby reached for my glasses with his pudgy little hands.

  2. 2

    Childhood appearance

    As a child, she had pudgy cheeks and a round face.

  3. 3

    Gentle self-description

    After months of takeout and no exercise, he was starting to feel a bit pudgy.

    • Usage

      a bit pudgy often sounds softer and less direct than saying someone is fat

  4. 4

    Old photos

    In old photos, he looks like a pudgy teenager in an oversized school uniform.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • pudgyadjective