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gummy

gummy

1 5.3
Showing a lot of gum above the teeth when smiling
  • adjective
  • /ˈɡʌmi/
translation icon : gingival
  • His gummy grin lit up the room, revealing more gum than teeth.

Examples

  • The child gave a gummy smile as she showed off her missing front teeth.

  • The boy's gummy expression was charming, showcasing his enthusiasm and innocence.

  • Her gummy smile made her self-conscious whenever someone took a close-up photograph.

  • After treatment, his once gummy grin revealed more teeth and much less gum.

  • Dentists sometimes recommend surgery to reduce a gummy smile and improve facial balance.

  • She has a gummy smile that makes her look very friendly.

  • His gummy grin was infectious and made everyone laugh.

Idioms

9.9

A word you say to show surprise or strong feeling

Compounds

A soft, chewy candy that tastes like fruit

How Gummy

gummy
1 5.3
toothy
7 4.1

Surface Forms

gummy positive

Morphology

gummy = gum (transparent) = gum + y

The adjective describes prominence of the gums and is a direct adjectival formation from 'gum', so the relation is clear to learners.

Etymology

The word gummy can also come from gum 'the flesh around the teeth', so a 'gummy' smile simply shows a lot of gum when someone smiles.