nervy

American  

[nur-vee] / ˈnɜr vi /

adjective

nervier, nerviest

1. brashly presumptuous or insolent; pushy.

   a nervy thing to say; a nervy trick to pull.

2. having or showing courage; brave or bold.

   the nervy feats of the mountaineers.

3. strong; sinewy; vigorous.

   a hard, nervy physique.

4. Chiefly British. straining one's patience or forbearance; trying.

5. nervous; excitable; on edge.

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nervy British  

/ ˈnɜːvɪ /

adjective

1. informal tense or apprehensive

2. having or needing bravery or endurance

3. informal brash or cheeky

4. archaic muscular; sinewy

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Other Word Forms

• nervily adverb
• nerviness noun

Etymology

Origin of nervy

First recorded in 1600–10; nerve + -y ¹

Example Sentences

After nervy wins over Nepal, Scotland and Italy in the group stage, they are closing in on a place in the last four.

From BBC

They began their tournament edging past Nepal in a final-ball finish and then lost to West Indies before coming through a nervy encounter with Scotland.

From BBC

But it was another unconvincing day for England, who progress after a final-ball win over Nepal, a defeat by West Indies and two nervy wins against Scotland and Italy.

From BBC

After three games at this T20 World Cup, England have escaped against Nepal, been thrashed by West Indies and now come through a nervy win against Scotland.

From BBC

Arsenal are still four points clear at the top of the Premier League - but are things just starting to get a bit nervy for the Gunners?

From BBC