quirky

[kwur-kee]

adjective

quirkier, quirkiest 

1. having or full of quirks.

Other Word Forms

• quirkily adverb
• quirkiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of quirky¹

First recorded in 1800–10; quirk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

When asked if they would like a little more time to catch their breath in between releases, Keeho pauses to translate after which quirky singer and dancer Soul deadpans, “Yes!” dissolving them into giggles.

From Los Angeles Times

“The impossible Fortune” strains at times to manage its numerous plot threads and twists; that’s one of the quirkier hallmarks of Osman’s writing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Comedies with White Backgrounds,” a quirky selection of films including “There’s Something About Mary,” “The Three Amigos” and “Kung Fu Hustle.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are fixed points, though: hospitals, religious anguish, scenes with her quirky family, a fierce desire to reclaim her writing life.

From Los Angeles Times

Amendments were increasingly tied to technological innovations and quirky moral crusades, such as Prohibition.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bizarre 
• idiosyncratic 
• odd 
• off-the-wall 
• peculiar 
• strange 
• unconventional 
• unusual 
• wacky 
• weird 

When To Use

What does quirky mean?

Quirky describes something that has or is full of quirks, which are odd or unusual qualities.Usually, a person is described as quirky when they behave in a way or have qualities that are unique to them or that set them apart from others. Things are described as quirky when they have odd qualities. A quirky house, for example, might be painted fluorescent colors or have an odd shape.Examples:

• Because Janet dyes her hair bright green and wears roller skates more than shoes, people think of her as quirky. 



• The painting’s irregular shapes and vivid colors give it a quirky feel.