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

“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

“He was all peevish that you always take the car because of your, what did he say? Oh yeah, selfish nature.”

From Literature

Declaration’s note back to me was prickly, bordering on peevish.

From Literature