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definitions

spunky

[spuhng-kee]
See more synonyms for spunky on Thesaurus.com
adjective, spunk·i·er, spunk·i·est.
  1. plucky; spirited.

Origin of spunky

First recorded in 1780–90; spunk + -y1
Related formsspunk·i·ly, adverbspunk·i·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for spunky

energetic, fearless, peppy, high-spirited, courageous, plucky, chirpy, active, alert, animated, bold, brave, eager, enthusiastic, fiery, game, gritty, gutsy, snappy, sprightly

Examples from the Web for spunky

Contemporary Examples of spunky

Historical Examples of spunky

  • That's Spunky Pete and no other,' says I, tumbling into my clothes and grabbing a lantern.

    Poppea of the Post-Office

    Mabel Osgood Wright

  • Spunky Jack made no reply to this, but took the letter and sat down.

    The Four Corners in Japan

    Amy Ella Blanchard

  • "Spunky little sister," encouraged the elder girl, and helped the other to the seat.

    The Plow-Woman

    Eleanor Gates

Word Origin and History for spunky
adj.

"courageous, spirited," 1786, from spunk + -y (2).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper