Corpulent means very fat or overweight, with a large, heavy body. The word comes from the Latin word for “body” and describes someone whose body has become quite large.

You might read about a corpulent king in a history book, sitting on his throne with a belly that strains against his royal robes. In classic literature, authors sometimes describe wealthy merchants or jolly innkeepers as corpulent, suggesting they've enjoyed plenty of rich food over many years.

The word carries a formal, almost old-fashioned tone. You wouldn't usually say “my corpulent uncle” in casual conversation. It appears more often in written descriptions, historical accounts, or medical contexts. While words like “fat” or “overweight” are more common today, corpulent adds a particular flavor to writing, often suggesting someone who has gradually become large through years of comfortable living.

Unlike neutral medical terms, corpulent is a straightforward physical description that can sound quite fancy, but it can still feel unkind if it's used to judge or mock someone.