dumpling

/'dʌmpliɳ/

Thân thiện

A child eats a warm dumpling from a bowl.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small, savory or sweet ball of dough, typically boiled or steamed: This is the most common meaning. The dough is often made from flour, water, and sometimes eggs, and can be plain or contain fillings like meat, vegetables, or cheese. 2. A dessert consisting of fruit enclosed in pastry and baked: This meaning refers to a specific type of dessert, such as an apple dumpling, where fruit is wrapped in dough and cooked. 3. (Informal, humorous) A short, plump person or animal: This is a figurative, affectionate, or teasing use of the word to describe someone's round, compact shape.

Examples of Usage

• Savory food item:
  • The chicken and dumpling soup is a classic comfort food.
  • She ordered a plate of steamed pork dumplings.
• Sweet dessert:
  • For dessert, we had warm peach dumplings with vanilla ice cream.
• Informal description:
  • My cat is a little dumpling when she curls up to sleep.

Advanced Usage

• "Dumpling" as a term of endearment: In informal contexts, calling someone a "dumpling" can be an affectionate nickname, implying they are cute and lovable, often due to a round or cuddly appearance.
  • "Come here, my little dumpling," the grandmother said to her grandchild.

Variants and Related Words

• Dumplings (plural noun): The standard plural form for the food item.
• Apple dumpling (noun phrase): A specific type of dessert dumpling with an apple filling.
• Soup dumpling (noun phrase): A type of dumpling, such as , that contains broth inside.

Synonyms

• For the food item: pot sticker (specifically for pan-fried dumplings), gnocchi (Italian dumpling), matzah ball (Jewish dumpling), wonton (a type of filled dumpling).
• For the informal description: chubby, roly-poly, pudgy (though these can be less affectionate).

Related Phrases

• Chicken and dumplings: A traditional stew-like dish featuring chicken and boiled dumplings.
• To be as plump as a dumpling: A simile used to describe someone or something as very round and full.

Học thuật

Noun

1. dessert made by baking fruit wrapped in pastry
2. small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough

Từ đồng nghĩa

• dumplings