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- having more flesh on the body than average
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PLUMP definition: 1. having a pleasantly soft, rounded body or shape: 2. polite word for fat: 3. to shake and push…. Learn more.
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What does plump mean?
What is the difference between chubby and plump?
What is the opposite of plump?
What are some common words for body shapes?
having a pleasantly soft, rounded body or shape: a nice plump chicken. plump juicy grapes. a child with plump rosy cheeks. C2. polite word for fat: He'sgotten quite plump since I last saw him. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples. having more flesh on the body than average.
- Overview
- Every body is beautiful
- So what are these different body types?
- What’s with the fruit metaphors?
- How to take your measurements
- What factors affect your body shape?
- Can your shape change over time?
- What if you want to change your shape?
- The bottom line
There’s no such thing as an “ideal” body shape, regardless of what some may try to tell you.
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. That’s part of what makes each of us unique.
It’s important to know that there isn’t an “average” or “typical” body.
Some of us are curvier, some of us have narrower hips or broader shoulders — we’re all a little bit different.
Still, most of us can categorize our shape into a few broad categories.
For example, a 2004 study reported that descriptions of female bodies have historically been described in categories based on shapes, such as triangle, rectangle, diamond, oval, and hourglass.
Some of the most common general categories include:
Rectangle, straight, or “banana”
If your waist measurements are about the same as your hip or bust, and your shoulders and hips are about the same width, you have what’s called a “banana” or rectangle body type. Stylists will probably point you toward off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses, and belted waists.
Triangle or “pear”
With this shape, your shoulders and bust are narrower than your hips. You probably have slim arms and a fairly defined waist. Your waist most likely slopes out to your hips. Stylists often recommend clothing that shows off the waistline.
Spoon
The spoon body type is pretty similar to the triangle or “pear” shape. Your hips are larger than your bust or the rest of your body and may have a “shelf”-like appearance. You likely have a defined waist. You may also carry some weight in your upper arms and upper thighs. You may be told to look for dresses that have classic “baby doll” cuts or other items with an empire waist.
Using fruit to describe body types has long been seen by some as a visual shorthand; a way to describe the shape in a less technical or scientific way.
For example, “pear shape” is a lot easier to imagine than “gynoid,” though both mean the same thing.
That said, a lot of people aren’t fans of these fruit-based metaphors.
Many feel that using these terms contributes to objectification by turning one’s body into an object for others to evaluate.
This may help perpetuate the false idea that there’s an “ideal” or “most desirable” body type.
In a study on objectification theory, researchers Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Roberts write:
Maybe you immediately recognized your body type in this list of categories, maybe you didn’t.
If you want a little help, you can always take your measurements and use those figures to help guide you.
Your measurements can also be helpful for general clothes shopping, regardless of the “type” they might fall into.
Here’s how to accurately take your measurements:
Some elements of your body type are determined by your bone structure.
For example, some people have a curvier, rounder buttocks and curvature in their spine.
Others may have wider hips, shorter legs, or longer torsos.
How tall or short you are will also affect the overall shape of your body.
By the time you reach adulthood, your bone structure and proportions are largely established — even if your measurements change as you gain or lose weight.
Genetics also play a role. Your genes determine how your body accumulates and stores fat.
Aging is one of the main factors affecting your shape and size over time.
Older adults tend to have higher levels of body fat overall. Two contributing factors include a slowing metabolism and gradual loss of muscle tissue.
Aging can also affect mobility, resulting in a more sedentary lifestyle. This could lead to weight gain.
Aging can even affect your height. Many people find that they gradually become shorter after age 30. This can affect how your body looks overall.
According to a 2016 review, menopause may also change your body shape and fat distribution by redistributing more weight to your abdomen.
In other words, this hormonal transition may cause you to change from a “pear” to more of an “apple” shape.
If you want to change certain things about yourself — for you and because you want to — exercise could make a difference.
Regular exercise can help build lean muscle mass and give your body definition.
This may help you emphasize certain features or alter your overall shape.
For example, you might be able to give your arms more muscle definition with regular training.
However, it’s important to remember that a lot of what determines your shape is set in stone by your bone structure, genetics, and overall build.
Much like you can’t exercise your way into being taller, you can’t tell your body where to store fat.
Whatever body shape you have, just remember: You are beautiful.
There’s no such thing as an “ideal” body shape, regardless of what some may try to tell you.
The most important thing is that you’re happy and healthy.
If you have any concerns about your body — including how it feels or the way it moves — talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
They can answer any questions you may have and advise you on any next steps.
Simone M. Scully is a writer who loves writing about all things health and science. Find Simone on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Simone Marie
May 7, 2012 · Plump and chubby mean ‘slightly fat’ but both sound almost pleasant and are often used of young children: She was admiring the baby’s plump little legs./Look at his lovely chubby cheeks! Some ‘fat’ words, on the other hand, are very direct.
The meaning of PLUMP is to drop, sink, or come in contact suddenly or heavily. How to use plump in a sentence.
Synonyms for PLUMP: fat, round, full, chubby, pudgy, rotund, corpulent, fleshy; Antonyms of PLUMP: slender, thin, lean, skinny, slim, bony, spare, gaunt.
You can describe someone or something as plump to indicate that they are rather fat or rounded. Maria was small and plump with a mass of curly hair. He pushed a plump little hand towards me.
