teary
Americanadjective
-
characterized by, covered with, or secreting tears
-
given to weeping; tearful
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of teary
First recorded in 1325–75, teary is from the Middle English word tery. See tear 1, -y 1
Explanation
When you're teary, your eyes fill with tears and you may even cry. Sad movies can make you teary, and so can chopping onions. If you're so sentimental that tragic stories and sentimental songs bring you to the edge of weeping, you can say they make you teary. You might say a teary farewell to your camp friends at the end of the summer or get teary at the thought of the dog you had when you were little. Pitiful, poignant, and sad things can all make you teary.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Given the cancer diagnosis, did Manilow worry that fans might interpret the song — a teary goodbye from a well-wishing lover — as a more permanent farewell?
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
Asked by Norwegian channel NRK on Tuesday to share his feelings after his bronze in the 20km individual, a teary Sturla Holm Laegreid broke down and admitted he had cheated on his girlfriend.
From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026
That same day, Escobar left the Tyson plant for the last time after 18 years, she said, cheered by teary colleagues who banged meat hooks on metal tables in appreciation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 23, 2025
You can see the evidence yourself: On social media, people are making teary videos professing to have rediscovered Jesus; in the comments, former atheists share stories of finding peace and purpose in prayer.
From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2025
When Guitar emerged, his eyes were teary from the effort of dry heaving.
From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
