staticky

American  

[stat-i-kee] / ˈstæt ɪ ki /

adjective

1. containing or producing static electricity.

2. affected by random noise due to electrical interference.

   staticky radio reception.

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Usage

What does staticky mean? Staticky is an adjective used to describe something that contains or creates a lot of static electricity, like hair standing on end or a place where you get a lot of electric shocks. It can also be used to describe something affected by electrical interference, such as a radio broadcast with a lot of fuzzy or crackling noises. Static is a short way of saying static electricity, which is an electric charge that can build up on certain objects when they are rubbed together. It can also refer to electrical interference in the form of fuzzy spots on a TV or crackling sounds on the radio or a phone call. Example: Be careful when you touch the metal handle—it’s been staticky in here, so you might get a shock.

Etymology

Origin of staticky

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; static ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The following “RV Envy” adds the thwack of a full drum kit to the mix, and the staticky howl of the hurdy-gurdy is as hectic as a smashed window triggering a building’s alarm system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

When your theremin gets staticky, someone at Equinox probably can fix it.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

The threat of eradicating AM radio in American cars produced a rare scene of bipartisanship in Congress on Tuesday when lawmakers rallied to the defense of the staticky broadcasts.

From Washington Times • Jun. 6, 2023

In today’s viral, staticky information environment, what matters to the plaintiffs is the consequences of these falsehoods—not the characteristics of the believers.

From Slate • Oct. 14, 2022

Order some pizza, their mother’s staticky voice said.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng