1 C1 idiomatic informal
Of a belly or stomach, to bulge or stick out in a rounded, soft way.
"After three helpings of pasta, his stomach was really pooching out over his belt."
inseparable
pooch out
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To bulge or protrude outward in a soft, rounded way.
In plain English
When something (usually a belly or piece of fabric) pokes out in a round, soft lump.
What does "pooch out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
Of fabric or another soft material, to bulge outward in an uneven or unintended way.
"The seat cushion was pooching out at the sides and needed to be restuffed."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Pooch' in American slang can mean a dog or a belly; 'out' indicates outward direction — so the belly pokes out like a round shape.
Actually means
When something (usually a belly or piece of fabric) pokes out in a round, soft lump.
Usage tip
Primarily informal American English. Most commonly used to describe a stomach or abdomen that protrudes. Can also describe fabric, upholstery, or any soft surface that bulges. Slightly humorous in tone.
Words that pair with "pooch out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
belly stomach tummy fabric shirt abdomen
How to conjugate "pooch out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pooch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pooches out
he/she/it
Past simple
pooched out
yesterday
Past participle
pooched out
have + pp
-ing form
pooching out
continuous
Hear "pooch out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pooch out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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