dumpling

noun dump·ling \ ˈdəmp-liŋ \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of dumpling

1 a : a small mass of dough cooked by boiling or steaming

b : a usually baked dessert of fruit wrapped in dough

2 : something soft and rounded like a dumpling; especially : a short fat person or animal

See dumpling defined for English-language learners

See dumpling defined for kids

Examples of dumpling in a Sentence

We had vegetarian dumplings as an appetizer.

Recent Examples of dumpling from the Web

There are also weekly specials, such as khinkali, Georgian soup dumplings, which must be consumed fresh and on-premises.

— rachel lebeaux, BostonGlobe.com, "Jana Grill and Bakery serves Eastern European, Lebanese specialties," 26 Apr. 2018
The accompanying sauce added just the right dose of punch to the dumpling, standing on its own while not overwhelming each bite.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "August Moon serves traditional Chinese food with a modern touch. You'll feel right at home," 11 Apr. 2018
Delicious handmade dumplings, hot pot soup, roast goose, endless varieties of dim sum, and fresh baked pineapple buns washed down with milk tea are but a few of the tantalizing offerings that collectively make Hong Kong a food lover's paradise.

— jake emen, USA TODAY, "Discover Hong Kong street food in Kowloon," 22 Mar. 2018
Match Restaurant & Cocktails Fuel up with the special of potato dumplings, Savoy cabbage, corned beef and Kelly green sauce ($12) during lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or during dinner from 5-10 p.m.

— georgann yara, azcentral, "Lucky eats: 24 places for St. Patrick’s Day food and drink deals," 12 Mar. 2018
Also worth staying up late for: mandu soup, which features plump pork dumplings and oval rice cakes packed into a beautifully flavored broth.

— michael russell | the oregonian/oregonlive, OregonLive.com, "Where to eat Korean food in Portland and Beaverton," 7 Feb. 2018
Happy hour is a particularly great deal, what with these mojo pork dumplings and other snacks priced at $5 and discounts on beer, sake, and cocktails.

— michael klein, Philly.com, "Let's Eat: The January restaurant shakeup," 24 Jan. 2018
Ladle about ¾ cup pasta cooking liquid into reserved skillet and add dumplings, tomatoes, and butter.

— ignacio mattos, Bon Appetit, "Malfatti with Pancetta and Cherry Tomatoes," 23 Apr. 2018
The dumplings, filled with pork, ginger and cabbage and served in a simple soy broth, are the same ones Gong's mother cooked in Shanghai.

— todd a. price, NOLA.com, "At Luvi on Tchoupitoulas, chef brings together a lifetime of cooking," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dumpling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dumpling

perhaps alteration of lump

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1600

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

DUMPLING Defined for English Language Learners

dumpling

noun

Definition of dumpling for English Language Learners

: a small lump of dough that is boiled or steamed
: a piece of food that is wrapped in dough and cooked

DUMPLING Defined for Kids

dumpling

noun dump·ling \ ˈdəmp-liŋ \

Definition of dumpling for Students

1 : a small amount of dough cooked by boiling or steaming

2 : a dessert of fruit wrapped in dough

Learn More about dumpling

Spanish Central: Translation of dumpling Nglish: Translation of dumpling for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dumpling

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up dumpling? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

dumpling

Definition of dumpling

Examples of dumpling in a Sentence

Recent Examples of dumpling from the Web

Origin and Etymology of dumpling

DUMPLING Defined for English Language Learners

dumpling

Definition of dumpling for English Language Learners

DUMPLING Defined for Kids

dumpling

Definition of dumpling for Students

Learn More about dumpling

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

cajole

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

12 Words from All Over the Map

'Ingenious' and 'Ingenuous': More Than a Typo

A Matter-of-Fact Look at 'Deadpan'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

May 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

May 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

12 Words from All Over the Map

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word

dumpling

Definition of dumpling

Examples of dumpling in a Sentence

Recent Examples of dumpling from the Web

Origin and Etymology of dumpling

DUMPLING Defined for English Language Learners

dumpling

Definition of dumpling for English Language Learners

DUMPLING Defined for Kids

dumpling

Definition of dumpling for Students

Learn More about dumpling

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

May 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

12 Words from All Over the Map

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word