ruddy

[ ruhd-ee ]

/ ˈrʌd i /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: ruddy / ruddiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, rud·di·er, rud·di·est.

of or having a fresh, healthy red color: a ruddy complexion.

red or reddish.

British Slang. damned: a ruddy fool.

adverb

British Slang. damned: He'd ruddy well better be there.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ruddy

before 1100; Middle English rudi,Old English rudig.See rudd, -y¹

OTHER WORDS FROM ruddy

rud·di·ly, adverbrud·di·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ruddy in a sentence

His paleness changed to the ruddiness of manhood; and his feeble limbs felt all the vigor of a hero in his prime.
Stories of Old Greece and Rome|Emilie Kip Baker
She was in person full-limbed and somewhat heavy; without ruddiness, as without pallor; and soft to the touch as a cloud.
Return of the Native|Thomas Hardy
She knew not to what she should have recourse, when the stranger made a slight movement, and a faint ruddiness tinged her cheeks.
The Pirates of the Prairies|Gustave Aimard
Portland Place at Christmas in a black fog was never a rosy landscape, but in 1861 the most hardened Londoner lost his ruddiness.
The Education of Henry Adams|Henry Adams

The baby, Milita, who attracted attention because of her whiteness and ruddiness, had the strength that her mother lacked.
Woman Triumphant|Vicente Blasco Ibaez

British Dictionary definitions for ruddy

ruddy

/ (ˈrʌdɪ) /

adjective -dier or -diest

(of the complexion) having a healthy reddish colour, usually resulting from an outdoor life

coloured red or pinka ruddy sky

adverb, adjective informal, mainly British

(intensifier) bloody; damneda ruddy fool

Derived forms of ruddy

ruddily, adverbruddiness, noun

Word Origin for ruddy

Old English rudig, from rudu redness (see rudd); related to Old High German rot red 1, Swedish rod, Old Norse rythga to make rusty

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

ruddy

Origin of ruddy

OTHER WORDS FROM ruddy

Words related to ruddy

How to use ruddy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ruddy

Derived forms of ruddy

Word Origin for ruddy