Word
stocky
US/ˈstɑki/
UK/stˈɒki/
Definition
adj. having a strong, thick, and solid build. You use this to describe someone or something that is not tall but has a lot of muscle or weight.
adj. having a thick, solid, and muscular build; sturdy in appearance. Often used to describe physical stature or the robust construction of objects.
Examples
“The boxer has a stocky build and a lot of power.”
“The old oak table was stocky and heavy, built to last for generations in the family home.”
“While his brother was tall and lanky, the younger sibling was stocky and broad-shouldered, giving him a more grounded and powerful presence on the field.”
Examples
simple
“The boxer has a stocky build and a lot of power.”
contextual
“The old oak table was stocky and heavy, built to last for generations in the family home.”
complex
“While his brother was tall and lanky, the younger sibling was stocky and broad-shouldered, giving him a more grounded and powerful presence on the field.”
Real-World Examples
“The man died in his 50s or 60s, was of stocky build and stood 5ft 1in tall.” “Even serving the same amount on each plate is actually crazy – I may be stocky and need a lot of fuel (I’m quite buzzy and run around a lot), but he’s 6ft 6in.” Etymology
From stock + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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