dumpling

noun

dump·​ling ˈdəmp-liŋ How to pronounce dumpling (audio)
plural dumplings
1
a
: a small mass of dough cooked by boiling or steaming
chicken soup with dumplings
b
: a casing of dough enclosing a typically savory filling (such as meat or seafood) and cooked usually by boiling, steaming, or pan-frying see gyoza, pot sticker, wonton
c
: a usually baked dessert of fruit wrapped in dough
apple dumplings
2
: something soft and rounded like a dumpling
especially : a plump person or animal often of short stature
"I wanted to do it [rowing] because it was something I had never heard of. I was a little dumpling as well. I wanted to lose weight." Spencer Turrin, quoted in The Daily Telegraph (England)

Examples of dumpling in a Sentence

We had vegetarian dumplings as an appetizer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The solo travel advocate is a reluctant runner (but four-time marathoner) and dumplings addict. Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 Xiang launched her first dumpling venture at 17 years old, selling handmade frozen dumplings online to London’s Chinese expat community. Simone Melvin, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 There are also traditional Chinese appetizer staples such as dumplings and sweet sesame balls to hit the spot when that craving strikes, plus steamed buns, eggrolls and spring rolls. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025 One dumpling is packed with chives, shrimp and chicken. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dumpling

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of lump

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dumpling was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dumpling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dumpling. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dumpling

noun
dump·​ling ˈdəm-pliŋ How to pronounce dumpling (audio)
1
: a portion of dough cooked by boiling or steaming
2
: a dessert of fruit baked in biscuit dough

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