achy
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of achy
Explanation
If you're achy, your body hurts. A new boxer will undoubtedly feel achy after her first match. When your feet are achy, they have a dull pain, possibly from wearing those brand new high heeled shoes. Some people feel achy all over when they get the flu, or after working out at the gym. The first use of the adjective achy was in a letter written by the novelist George Eliot in 1875, but its most well-known use is probably in country singer Billy Ray Cyrus's hit song "Achy Breaky Heart."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Among this year’s participants was WSJ’s achy, blistered Xavier Martinez.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
I liken this to waiting in line for a rollercoaster: Hours of anticipation and achy legs for a three-minute rush.
From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2025
That amount typically would leave him feeling achy and sluggish the day after.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2024
“If it weren’t for all the bumps and bruises and the achy bones, I would think that it didn’t happen,” Ergish said.
From Seattle Times ● May 22, 2024
When my neck gets tired and achy, I let my head fall on the pillow and hold the book straight above me.
From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar
When Smith was heavier — and, as he admitted, more sluggish and achier — he moved steadily up the minor league ladder, always hitting for average, though never displaying the power of a true slugger.
From New York Times ● Aug. 29, 2018
Granted, they’re older and achier, and Dan now sleeps with a mask for sleep apnea.
From New York Times ● Mar. 26, 2018
Yet there's no denying that they're popular � particularly among baby boomers and others who try to get active and stay fit with bodies that seem to grow achier all the time.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
