naughty

[ naw-tee ]

adjective

, naugh·ti·er, naugh·ti·est.

1. disobedient; mischievous (used especially in speaking to or about children):

   Weren't we naughty not to eat our spinach?

   Synonyms: wayward, willful

2. improper, tasteless, indecorous, or indecent:

   a naughty word.

3. Obsolete. wicked; evil.

naughty

/ ˈnɔːtɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of children or their behaviour) mischievous or disobedient; bad
2. mildly indecent; titillating

noun

1. slang.
   an act of sexual intercourse

Derived Forms

• ˈnaughtiness, noun
• ˈnaughtily, adverb

Other Words From

• naughti·ly adverb
• naughti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of naughty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; naught + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of naughty¹

C14 (originally: needy, of poor quality): from naught

Example Sentences

Can you call someone a ‘naughty boy’ or do you have to say ‘naughty man?’

From The Daily Beast

But there are increasingly more who are well-spoken, educated, and just a little naughty.

From The Daily Beast

Former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner was caught sexting naughty photos, which caused his resignation.

From The Daily Beast

If users want to send naughty photos with a veil of privacy, opt for the pixilated shower door filter.

From The Daily Beast

Click the option to be warned about sensitive media and these naughty images won't be thrust at you.

From The Daily Beast

It appears to be the opinion of the advocates of apparitions that naughty ghosts have cold hands.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case the husband was the offending party, and was very naughty, and therefore his hands were very cold.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Towne did not do much last winter, Mary said, beside run around with Naughty Nan.

From Project Gutenberg

Tessa, in a broken voice, like the appeal of a naughty child with the naughtiness all gone, what shall I do?

From Project Gutenberg

He almost slew me with his eyes; I cant see why such naughty hearts should look through such eyes!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• headstrong
• impish
• mischievous
• playful
• rowdy
• wicked