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
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 July 2025
But like a roly-poly, the gömböc is round in places.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2025
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
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
But like a roly-poly, the gömböc is round in places.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roly-poly
Adjective
-
The chili verde is soft and succulent and the plump chicken pairs well with any of the three salsas brought to the table.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Unlike the ones now rotting on Ian Chandler’s farm, these had a chance to be harvested by hand and are in their prime — plump and juicy and ready to eat.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With these measurements, an equation can determine the body fat percentage versus lean body mass.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
5 Aug. 2025
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The department recommends cleaning and washing fish thoroughly in clean water, filleting the fish and removing all fat, skin and internal organs before cooking.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a £25million signing from Chelsea, slots into the No 10 position vacated by Abdoulaye Doucoure, while Carlos Alcaraz edges out Dwight McNeil to be Everton’s square peg in a round hole on the right flank.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
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The Packers are giving Morgan — their first round draft pick in 2024 — every chance to win the job, though.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Roly-poly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roly-poly. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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