Oompa Loompa

noun

Oom·pa Loom·pa ˈüm-pə-ˈlüm-pə

variants or Oompa-Loompa

plural Oompa Loompas or Oompa-Loompas

disparaging + offensive : a person of short stature

disparaging + sometimes offensive : a person whose skin has an orange hue (as from a fake tan)

Note: Both senses of Oompa Loompa have their origins in Roald Dahl's children's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in which the characters who work in the factory are a diminutive people called "the Oompa Loompas." In the 1971 movie adaptation Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, these characters were depicted with orange skin and green hair.

Examples of Oompa Loompa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The show will also see Rusty Goffe, who portrayed an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 feature, reprise the role during the challenges. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 June 2026 In addition to the likeness of Wilder's voice, the new show will also feature Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 film. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 In another nod to the original movie, Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 feature, will reprise his role in the unscripted series. — Peter White, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Oompa Loompa was in 1985

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oompah

Oompa Loompa

oomph

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Style

“Oompa Loompa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Oompa%20Loompa. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Oompa Loompa

noun

Examples of Oompa Loompa in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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