sulky

[ suhl-kee ]

adjective

, sulk·i·er, sulk·i·est.

1. marked by or given to sulking; sullen.

   Synonyms: churlish, morose, surly, moody

   Antonyms: good-natured, good-humored

2. gloomy or dull:

   sulky weather.

noun

, plural sulk·ies.

1. a light, two-wheeled, one-horse carriage for one person.

sulky

¹

/ ˈsʌlkɪ /

noun

1. a light two-wheeled vehicle for one person, usually drawn by one horse

sulky

²

/ ˈsʌlkɪ /

adjective

1. sullen, withdrawn, or moody, through or as if through resentment
2. dull or dismal

   sulky weather

Derived Forms

• ˈsulkily, adverb
• ˈsulkiness, noun

Other Words From

• sulki·ly adverb
• sulki·ness noun
• un·sulki·ly adverb
• un·sulki·ness noun
• un·sulky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulky¹

1735–45; akin to Old English solcen- lazy (in solcennes laziness), Frisian (N dial.) sulkig sulky

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulky¹

C18: from sulky ¹, because it can carry only one person

Origin of sulky²

C18: perhaps from obsolete sulke sluggish, probably related to Old English āseolcan to be lazy

Example Sentences

The Datto, in a sulky mood, at first refused to come, but on further pressure he changed his mind.

From Project Gutenberg

"No, madame," Pauline answered quickly, and there was something almost sulky in her tone.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Blewitt was no match for my master: all the time he was fidgetty, silent, and sulky; on the contry, master was charmin.

From Project Gutenberg

The sight of our money produced lots of things; but our sulky host was quite spoiled by it.

From Project Gutenberg

After her first startled glance toward Bristow she stood with her head lowered and with an expression of sulky stubbornness.

From Project Gutenberg