spunky

[spuhng-kee]

adjective

spunkier, spunkiest 

1. plucky; spirited.

Other Word Forms

• spunkily adverb
• spunkiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spunky¹

First recorded in 1780–90; spunk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

"We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever!"

Read more on BBC

More spunky than saccharine, Elio spends most of the film wearing a bandage over a black eye.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Together, the young pariah-turned-lizard-rider and his spunky pet prove there’s strength in pacifism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Douglas is beguiling enough with her humorous, spunky performance, and MacCormac capably keeps up with her.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A spunky 56-year-old, who has been homeless herself, she was lured away from a 30-year career in commercial purchasing to become a full-time outreach worker for Harbor Interfaith.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chirpy 
• courageous 
• energetic 
• fearless 
• high-spirited 
• peppy 
• plucky