stubby

adjective

stub·​by ˈstə-bē How to pronounce stubby (audio)
stubbier; stubbiest
Synonyms of stubbynext
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

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Examples of stubby in a Sentence

hands with thick stubby fingers My dog has a short stubby tail.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 Gravity-1, a distinctively squat and stubby rocket, launched Tuesday night (July 21) from the deck of a ship stationed off the coast of Shanghai. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stubby

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stubby was in the 15th century

Rhymes for stubby

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Browse Nearby Words

Stubbs
stubby
stube
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Cite this Entry

“Stubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stubby. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stubby

adjective
stub·​by ˈstəb-ē How to pronounce stubby (audio)
: resembling a stub especially in shortness and broadness
stubby fingers

More from Merriam-Webster on stubby

Nglish: Translation of stubby for Spanish Speakers

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