First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1lump
noun \ˈləmp\
: a small piece or mass of something
: an area of swelling or growth on your body
Full Definition of LUMP
1
: a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape
3
: protuberance; especially : an abnormal swelling
4
: a person who is heavy and awkward; also : one who is stupid or dull
5
plural a : beatings, bruises <had taken a lot of lumps growing up in the city> b : defeat, loss <can cheerfully take his lumps on losers, because the payout is big on the winners — Martin Mayer>
— lump in one's throat
: a constriction of the throat caused by emotion
See lump defined for English-language learners
See lump defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LUMP
Middle English
2lump
verb
Definition of LUMP
transitive verb
1
: to group indiscriminately
2
: to make into lumps; also : to make lumps on or in
3
: to move noisily and clumsily
intransitive verb
1
: to become formed into lumps
2
: to move oneself noisily and clumsily
First Known Use of LUMP
1624
3lump
adjective
4lump
verb
Definition of LUMP
transitive verb
: to put up with <like it or lump it>
Origin of LUMP
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1791
LUMP Defined for Kids
1lump
noun \ˈləmp\
Definition of LUMP for Kids
1
: a small piece or chunk <a lump of coal>
2
: a swelling or growth <She got a lump on her forehead.>
3
: a tight feeling in the throat caused by emotion
2lump
verb
lumpedlump·ing
Definition of LUMP for Kids
1
: to group together <Lump all the clothing into one pile.>
2
: to form into lumps <The gravy lumped.>
3lump
adjective
Definition of LUMP for Kids
: not divided into parts <a lump sum>
Medical Dictionary
lump
noun \ˈləmp\
Medical Definition of LUMP
1
: a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape
2
: an abnormal mass or swelling <presenting as a neck lump>
Learn More About LUMP
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up lump? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).