# tubby

/ˈtəbi/ (US) · /tˈʌbi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tubby
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

short and a little fat, with a round body shape. You use it for people or animals, often in a teasing way.

For teachers: short and stout in build, with a rounded, somewhat fat body. Describes people and small animals, often with a mildly teasing or disparaging tone.

## Examples

- The tubby cat sleeps on the warm sofa.
- The tubby puppy waddles across the park and begs every owner for treats.
- The tubby old sailor squeezes into his favourite chair each evening, filling the small cabin with stories of distant ports.

## Synonyms

chubby, plump, pudgy, dumpy, podgy

## Antonyms

thin, slim, skinny, slender

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.