plump

Everyday

1. Plump means a little fat and round in a pleasant way: "a plump baby", "plump cheeks". tree →
2. Plump food is full and juicy: "plump strawberries". tree →
3. (verb) To plump up a cushion or pillow means to shake it so it gets round and soft. tree →
4. (verb, informal) To plump for something means to choose it after thinking: "I'll plump for the chocolate cake". tree →
5. (verb, informal) To plump down means to sit or drop down heavily. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, plump is a kind word for a body that is round, used for babies, robins and friendly cooks. It is gentler than "fat" (a euphemism). In cooking, raisins plump up when soaked in water. Phrases: plump up, plump for, plump cheeks, plump and juicy.

Examples

• The baby has plump rosy cheeks. tree →
• We picked plump, juicy blackberries. tree →
• The robin looked plump in the cold. tree →
• Mum plumped up the cushions on the sofa. tree →
• I can't decide... I'll plump for the pizza. tree →
• He plumped down on the sofa, tired out. tree →
• The raisins plumped up in the warm water. tree →

Note

Comparison: plumper, plumpest. Plump is a polite or kind word; "fat" can be rude about people. Opposite: thin, skinny.