as in plump
having an excess of body fat
a roly-poly baby who grew into a slender child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of roly-poly
Imagine instead your mother’s delight in you as a baby, in all your sweet-smelling, roly-poly nudeness.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025
People were bamboozled by the roly-poly big-eyed cuteness — such clips have drawn in millions of viewers.
—Brian Munoz, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
Imagine a pale roly-poly the size of a muskrat wandering the seafloor.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
All of them opted for the adorably roly-poly breed of French bulldog.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The same whimsy that makes roly-poly Santa cookies special is what makes the now-classic Santa mug trend a must-try this holiday season.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2024
Explore a new deep-sea exhibit Giant isopods scurry like roly-poly bugs in a touch tank.
—John Metcalfe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024
The damp, gray roly-poly creature is a bonafide celebrity.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Understanding Armadillos Regardless of what they’re called, most people know exactly what an armadillo looks like, with its roly-poly armored form and weird shuffling walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2024
James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025
People were bamboozled by the roly-poly big-eyed cuteness — such clips have drawn in millions of viewers.
—Brian Munoz, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
Imagine a pale roly-poly the size of a muskrat wandering the seafloor.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
All of them opted for the adorably roly-poly breed of French bulldog.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The same whimsy that makes roly-poly Santa cookies special is what makes the now-classic Santa mug trend a must-try this holiday season.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2024
Explore a new deep-sea exhibit Giant isopods scurry like roly-poly bugs in a touch tank.
—John Metcalfe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024
The damp, gray roly-poly creature is a bonafide celebrity.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Understanding Armadillos Regardless of what they’re called, most people know exactly what an armadillo looks like, with its roly-poly armored form and weird shuffling walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roly-poly
Adjective
-
After the treatment, skin was visibly more plump, smooth, hydrated and radiant.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Its hero ingredients include niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3), known for minimizing pores and reducing fine lines, along with Premium Elastin from France, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, all of which moisturize and plump skin for a more youthful, glowy appearance.—
Melony Forcier,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
One is for chocolate, ketchup, and mustard; another is for fat and cooking oil; another is for blood, dairy, and ice cream; and another is for coffee, tea, wine, and juice.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 June 2025
-
That’s not fat or muscle loss, but simply water shifting out of your muscles.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Richie’s hairstylist George Curran opted for movement in the form of a bouncy blowout, using a round brush and blow-dryer to create volume and a soft curve.—
Bella Cacciatore,
Glamour,
27 June 2025
-
Aside from a round diamond pendant, nothing is more classic—and timeless—than initial necklaces.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Roly-poly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roly-poly. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share