peaky

[ pee-kee ]
See synonyms for peaky on Thesaurus.com
adjective,peak·i·er, peak·i·est.

Origin of peaky

1
First recorded in 1870–75; peak(ed)2 + -y1

Other words from peaky

  • peak·i·ly, adverb
  • peak·i·ness, noun

Words Nearby peaky

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use peaky in a sentence

  • Down the hall, a friendly nurse practitioner is on call with Tylenol and gluten-free pretzels if I feel a little peaky when the session finishes, plus anti-anxiety medication if the sensation crosses into a little more than peaky.

  • There are peaky, dark mountains beyond this—just as across the vast bay are gloomy hills.

    Sea and Sardinia | D. H. Lawrence
  • His peaky little beard, and the way he carried himself, as well as the quickness of his movements, told one that.

    Under the Chinese Dragon | F. S. Brereton
  • You're gittin' peaky ez a sick kitten, an' saller ez a punkin; you'll be down with fevers an' agers nex'.

    Crestlands | Mary Addams Bayne
  • The Norwegian Nis was like a strong-shouldered child, in a coat and peaky cap, who carried a pretty blue light at night.

    Brownies and Bogles | Louise Imogen Guiney

British Dictionary definitions for peaky

peaky

/ (ˈpiːkɪ) /


adjective-kier or -kiest
  1. wan, emaciated, or sickly

Origin of peaky

1
C16: of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012