dumpling

noun

dump·​ling ˈdəmp-liŋ 

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

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

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of lump

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

dumpling

noun

dump·​ling ˈdəm-pliŋ 

1

: a portion of dough cooked by boiling or steaming

2

: a dessert of fruit baked in biscuit dough