definitions

spiky

[ spahy-kee ]
/ ˈspaɪ ki /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR spiky ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective, spik·i·er, spik·i·est.

having a spike or spikes.
having the form of a spike; spikelike.
acid or peevish in temper or mood; prickly.

RELATED CONTENT

What Does 🍍 Pineapple Emoji Mean?This exotic fruit is depicted with a bright green leafy top and its scale-laden body is in yellows and golden browns. It's used in relation to fruit and food, to travel and hospitality, and, in certain circles, to one's relationship status.
READ MORE
SasukeRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

opinionated, belligerent, combative, contentious, acute, pointed, prickly, biting, nasty, annoying, caustic, keen, salient, fine, tapering, eristic, contrary, gnawing, jagged

Nearby words

spike-tooth harrow, spikedace, spikelet, spikenard, spiker, spiky, spile, spiling, spill, spill over, spill the beans

Origin of spiky

First recorded in 1570–80; spike1 + -y1

Related forms

spik·i·ly, adverbspik·i·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for spiky

spiky

/ (ˈspaɪkɪ) /

adjective spikier or spikiest

resembling a spike
having a spike or spikes
British informal ill-tempered
characterized by violent or aggressive methodsspiky protestors

Derived Forms

spikily, adverbspikiness, 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