Nubby describes a texture that's bumpy and slightly rough, with small raised knots or lumps scattered across the surface. If you've ever felt a sweater that wasn't perfectly smooth but had tiny bumps all over it, that's nubby fabric. The texture comes from the way the yarn is spun or woven, creating little nubs (small lumps or knots) throughout the material.

You'll often hear the word used to describe fabrics and textiles. A nubby blanket might feel cozy and interesting to touch, with its uneven surface adding character. Interior designers sometimes choose nubby fabrics for furniture because the texture makes a room feel warmer and less formal than smooth, sleek materials do.

The word can describe natural textures too. Tree bark often has a nubby surface, and some fruits like raspberries have a nubby texture from all their tiny bumps. When something is described as nubby, it's usually not a complaint: the texture often adds visual interest and a pleasant, tactile quality that smooth surfaces lack.