First recorded in 1895–1900; probably from a proper name
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In spite of Barnegat Bay's extensive oyster beds and its proximity to New Haven, the sharpie never became popular in that region, where a small sailing scow known as the "garvey" was already in favor.
From The Migrations of an American Boat Type by Chapelle, Howard I. (Howard Irving)
The garvey was commonly 24 to 26 feet long with a beam on deck of 6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 6 inches and a bottom of 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches.
From The Migrations of an American Boat Type by Chapelle, Howard I. (Howard Irving)
Treasurys remains in sight, ING’s Michiel Tukker and Padhraic Garvey say in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026
Instead, he gathered himself and finished the session, earning pats on the back from both Garvey and Lasorda.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2026
What’s Next: A rise in inflation “becomes more ingrained the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains closed,” ING’s Padhraic Garvey wrote in a note on Monday.
From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026
A rise in inflation “becomes more ingrained the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains closed,” ING’s Padhraic Garvey wrote External link in a note on Monday.
From Barron's ● Apr. 28, 2026
“Like ‘a towel’ without the L,” Garvey said.
From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen
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.
