as in plump
having an excess of body fat
a roly-poly baby who grew into a slender child
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Recent Examples of roly-poly
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
Big bellies and butts — and skinny teens and roly-poly toddlers and wiry grandpas and even Ken and Barbie look-alikes — are everywhere, all mixed in together.
—Kate Cohen, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
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
Big bellies and butts — and skinny teens and roly-poly toddlers and wiry grandpas and even Ken and Barbie look-alikes — are everywhere, all mixed in together.
—Kate Cohen, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roly-poly
Adjective
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The selection of works indeed revealed a preference for male subjects unique in a movement typically associated with fetching representations of young women in sun-dappled gowns and bonnets and plump, rose-cheeked children.—
James Meyer,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
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The brand’s Hyaluronic Rose Complex includes Damascus rosewater and 11 types of hyaluronic acid to nourish skin, as well as niacinamide, working to improve the appearance of skin texture and minimize pores, plus plump and firm.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The remote location offers an experience that lets guests disconnect from the hustle of urban life, with adventures like horseback rides, fly fishing, fat biking, and heli-skiing.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2025
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After 72 weeks, two out of three patients on semaglutide had significant improvements in fat accumulation and scarring in the liver.—
Cathy Nelson,
Health,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Fowler got off to a scorching hot start, firing a 7-under 63 on Thursday to sit tied for third place after round one at The Philadelphia Cricket Club.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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The ballets are folded, placed on a round plate and then slid into an urn.—
Maria Pasquini,
People.com,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Roly-poly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roly-poly. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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