Lump
/lʌmp/
Definitions
3 meaningsA compact mass of something, typically of irregular shape.
/lʌmp/
A compact mass of something.
He found a lump of coal in his stocking.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking cookies and accidentally put a big, clumpy *lump* of dough on the cookie sheet. It's just a big chunk of something!
👶 For kids: A *lump* is like a big chunk or ball of something.
More Examples
There was a hard lump of clay in the garden.
She felt a suspicious lump in her breast.
How It's Used
"The doctor found a lump under her skin."
"Add a lump of butter to the sauce."
"A lump of clay sat on the potter's wheel."
To move or carry something heavy or awkward; or to treat or group people or things together without regard for their differences
/lʌmp/
To move or behave heavily or clumsily.
He had to lump the heavy boxes up the stairs.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to carry a really heavy bag. You're kind of *lumping* it around because it's so awkward and difficult to carry.
👶 For kids: When you *lump*, you move something heavy or awkwardly.
More Examples
The movers were lumping furniture into the truck.
Don't lump all students into the same category.
How It's Used
"He was lumping around the house all day."
"The old man lumping through the snow."
To combine or group things together, often without considering their individual differences.
/lʌmp/
To consider or deal with (different things) together.
It is not fair to lump all immigrants into the same group.
💡 Simply: If you *lump* things together, you're treating them as if they're all the same, even if they're not. Like, don't *lump* all your toys into the same box without caring what they are.
👶 For kids: When you *lump*, you put many things together, whether they belong there or not
More Examples
He lumped all the bills together in one envelope.
Some people tend to lump all the different art forms together.
How It's Used
"Don't lump all students into the same category."
Synonyms
Blob
Chunk
Clump
Mass
Nugget
Carry
Combine
Group
Haul
Heave
Lug
Bundle
Merge
Idioms & expressions
lump in one's throat
A feeling of sadness or emotion that makes it difficult to speak.
"She had a lump in her throat as she said goodbye to her friend."
lump it
To accept a situation or a disadvantage, even if it's unpleasant.
"If you don't like the rules, you can lump it."
From Middle English *lumpe*, from Old English *lumpa* ('mass, piece'), of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Low German *lumpe* ('rag, bundle').
The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to a mass of something.