feisty
Americanadjective
-
full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky.
The champion is faced with a feisty challenger.
-
ill-tempered; pugnacious.
-
troublesome; difficult.
feisty legal problems.
adjective
-
lively, resilient, and self-reliant
-
frisky
-
irritable
Usage
What does feisty mean? Feisty is used to describe someone or something that is full of energy or courage. Someone who’s described as feisty usually has a strong will and is unafraid of showing it, even in difficult circumstances or when challenged. Feisty is also used to describe a person or animal that is ill-tempered: Jack gets feisty when he is tired. Sometimes feisty is used to describe someone or something that is troublesome: My computer gets feisty whenever the software updates. Feisty can be used as a compliment, praising someone’s courage, spiritedness, or pluckiness. Or it can be used somewhat critically, suggesting someone is prone to getting angry. Feisty depends on how someone thinks about the words and actions of the person or thing they think is feisty. Example: It took hours to catch the feisty puppy who easily outran all of us.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of feisty
Explanation
Feisty is a word for someone who is touchy or quarrelsome. It can also mean "showing courage or determination." If you're huffy or thin-skinned, you're feisty. Feisty people often seem to be itching for a fight. On the other hand, this has a more positive meaning. It may also describe a courageous or spirited person, especially one who is smaller or an underdog. A small boxer knocking out a huge opponent is feisty. Little dogs barking at huge dogs are feisty in both senses: they're being brave, but they're also a little too quick to open their yaps.
Vocabulary lists containing feisty
Dear Martin
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Game Changer
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Warriors Don't Cry (Abridged)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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:
She described Widdecombe as "a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind".
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maud O'Hara, Declan's feisty wife, says the increased ambition for the new season is noticeable.
From BBC ● May 13, 2026
Virtually unknown a year ago, Platner has barnstormed across Maine, delivering a feisty, anti-establishment message.
From Barron's ● May 3, 2026
Ms. Burke is making her seventh appearance in one of Mr. Lindsay-Abaire’s plays, and as always gives a feisty and wry performance as the semi-addled but sometimes disconcertingly sharp Penny.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
She's feisty, and enjoys picking fights, like me.
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
These Bruins are deeper, more talented and feistier than the freshman-heavy bunch that finished with a losing record.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2024
When I want something a little feistier and more savory, to quickly layer onto a pizza or lasagna or eggplant parm — especially when I have no time at all — Heidi's is it.
From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2022
The measure was among several heated proposals pushed forward this year by the House of Representatives, the feistier, larger chamber.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 8, 2018
Very recently, Mr. Fallon’s political material has gotten a bit feistier.
From New York Times ● Feb. 22, 2017
The kid on the other tire looked feistier than her pal.
From "Fourth Grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli
Aster’s feistiest move is that he refuses to reveal the truth.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025
But the feistiest face-off on the undercard went to heavyweights Thomas Carty and Jay McFarlane.
From BBC ● May 19, 2023
They seemed like the feistiest team in MLB.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 4, 2022
Check out some enduring trends showcased by each of Miami’s feistiest citizens.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 16, 2020
Miranda Lambert is one of the feistiest and most accomplished live performers in country music.
From New York Times ● Feb. 20, 2018
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.
