VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

lumps

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/lʌmps/
US/lʌmps/

“lumps” is a form of “lump”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Small, solid pieces of something, especially food, that are not regular in shape.

    Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is lump. Used with plural verbs: the lumps are...

    Patterns

    • lumps of something
    • lumps in something
    • break up lumps

    She stirred the sauce to get rid of the lumps.

    He put two lumps of sugar in his coffee.

    There were lumps of clay stuck to his boots.

  2. nounpluralmedical

    Swellings or hard areas on or under the skin that are not normal.

    Grammar: Plural of lump; often used with 'on' or 'under' the skin.

    Patterns

    • lumps on something
    • lumps under the skin
    • feel lumps

    The doctor checked for lumps in her neck.

    He noticed some small lumps under the skin on his arm.

    The vet found lumps on the dog's back.

Word forms

singularlump

Common combinations

lumps of sugar
He dropped two lumps of sugar into his tea.
lumps in the sauce
Whisk the sauce well to avoid lumps.
a lump in your throat
She had a lump in her throat as she said goodbye.
lumps under the skin
The doctor said the lumps under the skin were harmless.

Synonyms and how they differ

chunks
Chunks are usually larger and more regular than lumps; lumps are often softer or less even.
swellings
Swellings are areas of the body that have become larger; lumps can be small and hard.

Word family

lump noun
A single solid piece or a swelling.
lumpy adjective
Full of lumps; not smooth.

Commonly confused: lumps or bumps? lumps or clumps?

lumps vs bumps

Bumps are raised areas on a surface, often from injury or a rash; lumps are more solid pieces or swellings.

lumps vs clumps

Clumps are groups of things growing or stuck together, like grass or hair; lumps are single solid pieces.

Practice

Choose the sentence where 'lumps' is used correctly.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lumps”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words