What does "frump" mean?
A frumpy person, somebody who is unattractive, drab or dowdy.
Frump
/fɹʌmp/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A frumpy person, somebody who is unattractive, drab or dowdy.
- Grammar: frump is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: beldam, crone, dame, dishevel.
- Useful contrasts: modern, dandyess, fashion plate.
- Usage evidence: You look like such a frump today!
How to use "frump"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "frump" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "frump" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "frump" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "frump" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "frump" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "beldam" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "frump", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A frumpy person, somebody who is unattractive, drab or dowdy. colloquial, countable
"You look like such a frump today!"
- 2 a dull unattractive unpleasant girl or woman wordnet
- 3 Unattractive, dowdy clothes. colloquial, uncountable
"Get that frump off – it's horrid!"
- 4 A bad-tempered person. countable, dated
- 5 A flout or snub. countable, obsolete, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To insult; to flout; to mock; to snub. obsolete, transitive
"Was ever gentlewoman So frump'd off with a fool!"
- 2 To assume a countenance or demeanor indicating irritation, ill-humor, or disapproval.
"1982, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure I told the guy "Well, now all I can do is come up with excuses" & told him I had to babysit. He frumped like, "Oh, shame!" and asked if I'd be there later."
Proper Noun
- 1 Nickname for Donald Trump (born 1946), President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025). derogatory
"Had he done so---Frump might have kept a FEW latino voters / As it is---FRUMP Shot his own balls off (if he has any left)"
Example
"You look like such a frump today!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "frump"?
Common synonyms include: beldam, crone, dame, dishevel, dog, dowager.
How do you use "frump" in a sentence?
You look like such a frump today!
How do you pronounce "frump"?
Pronounced /fɹʌmp/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Probably a contraction of late Middle English frumpylle (“wrinkle”), from Middle Dutch verrompelen, originally equivalent to for- + rump + -le.
Etymology 2
From frump, as a pun on Trump.