stubby

adjective

stub·​by ˈstə-bē 

stubbier; stubbiest

1

: abounding with stubs

2

a

: resembling a stub : being short and thick

stubby fingers

b

: being short and thickset : squat

c

: being short, broad, or blunt (as from use or wear)

an old stubby pencil

Synonyms of stubby

• stout
• stumpy
• stocky
• sturdy
• plump
• squatty

Examples of stubby in a Sentence

hands with thick stubby fingers

My dog has a short stubby tail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Big ears, stubby legs and an extra-strong butt — Zoo Miami celebrated the newest addition to its animal family Friday. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

These mushrooms are instantly recognizable for their fat, puffy shape and stubby stems that are often as wide as—if not wider than—the caps. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Her elder brother, by now accustomed to this playact, held out a rough hand with stubby fingers. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

With paper ballots and stubby pencils, the diners then voted for their favorites. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stubby

• chubby
• cubby
• grubby
• hubby
• scrubby
• shrubby
• tubby

Kids Definition

stubby

adjective

stub·​by ˈstəb-ē 

: resembling a stub especially in shortness and broadness

stubby fingers