frisky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of frisky
Explanation
The adjective frisky means playful or lively. Your frisky puppy likes to play tug-of-war with your socks, whether they're on or off your feet. Frisky is from the Middle English word frisk, which in turn was based on the Old French word frisque. In all cases, the words mean lively and merry. Frisky is often used to describe animals, but the term is also sometimes used as a mild euphemism for being playfully affectionate.
Vocabulary lists containing frisky
Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon
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!
"The Landlady" by Roald Dahl
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!
Unit 1, Words to Know
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.
But “The Sign,” which also finds Chilli trying to save the wedding when Frisky runs off, gives the adult characters even more time in the spotlight.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2024
Frisky is welcome to roam the house when guests you know to be compatible with her are present.
From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2023
Feminist blog the Frisky said: “We aren’t asking Tina Fey to ‘explain jokes,’ we’re asking her to listen.”
From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2016
Explaining why he thought he’d been misunderstood, he pointed people to an interview he’d done with Rebecca Vipond Brink, a writer for the Frisky.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2015
There are old-timers, too, like Frisky and Sal, who’ve already made their bank and are basically retired.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
![]()
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.