peevish

American  

[pee-vish] / ˈpi vɪʃ /

adjective

1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent.

   a peevish youngster.

   Synonyms:

   snappish, irritable, petulant

2. showing annoyance, irritation, or bad mood.

   a peevish reply; a peevish frown.

3. perverse or obstinate.

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peevish British  

/ ˈpiːvɪʃ /

adjective

1. fretful or irritable

   a peevish child

2. obsolete perverse

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Related Words

See cross.

Other Word Forms

• peevishly adverb
• peevishness noun
• unpeevish adjective
• unpeevishly adverb
• unpeevishness noun

Etymology

Origin of peevish

1350–1400; Middle English pevysh of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Jacques looked peevish, insofar as dragons are able to look anything.

From Literature

You’re expecting me to do what?” snapped a peevish voice from the other side of the heavy wooden door.

From Literature

“He looks startled,” Reed said of the president’s peevish performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when he was trying to sound upbeat, the river of resentment would burble up in his mannerisms and his peevish voice.

From Salon

Placing his Howard in a pen with Short's jumpy, cheerfully peevish Oliver is perfect.

From Salon