Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dumpling \Dump"ling\, n. [Dimin. of dump an illshapen piece; cf.
   D. dompelen to plunge, dip, duck, Scot. to dump in to plunge
   into, and E. dump, v. t.]
   A roundish mass of dough boiled in soup, or as a sort of
   pudding; often, a cover of paste inclosing an apple or other
   fruit, and boiled or baked; as, an apple dumpling.

Source : WordNet®

dumpling
     n 1: small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough [syn: {dumplings}]
     2: dessert made by baking fruit wrapped in pastry