peevish

[ pee-vish ]
See synonyms for: peevishpeevishness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster.

  2. showing annoyance, irritation, or bad mood: a peevish reply; a peevish frown.

  1. perverse or obstinate.

Origin of peevish

1
1350–1400; Middle English pevysh of unknown origin

synonym study For peevish

1. See cross.

Other words for peevish

Other words from peevish

  • pee·vish·ly, adverb
  • pee·vish·ness, noun
  • un·pee·vish, adjective
  • un·pee·vish·ly, adverb
  • un·pee·vish·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use peevish in a sentence

  • In order to have sunlight at home, it is not enough negatively to abstain from fault-finding and general peevishness.

  • "The police ought to stop it, I tell you," Willie insisted, with a peevishness that was like a dash of vinegar.

    What Will People Say? | Rupert Hughes
  • Pet, pet, n. a sudden fit of peevishness or slight passion: ill-humour.

  • If she were hard pressed she emitted a pathetic peevishness that rendered further argument impossible.

    The Necromancers | Robert Hugh Benson
  • They must be chastised out of their peevishness and lashed into obedience .

    Andrew Marvell | Augustine Birrell

British Dictionary definitions for peevish

peevish

/ (ˈpiːvɪʃ) /


adjective
  1. fretful or irritable: a peevish child

  2. obsolete perverse

Origin of peevish

1
C14: of unknown origin

Derived forms of peevish

  • peevishly, adverb
  • peevishness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012