teary

[teer-ee]

adjective

tearier, teariest 

1. of or like tears.

2. tearful.

teary

/ ˈtɪərɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by, covered with, or secreting tears

2. given to weeping; tearful

Other Word Forms

• tearily adverb
• teariness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of teary¹

First recorded in 1325–75, teary is from the Middle English word tery. See tear ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

He said he was "a bit teary" thinking about the impact it could have on families.

From BBC

Dark red fluid can be seen coursing through medical tubing in another, and in a selfie Hadid’s eyes are puffy and teary.

From Los Angeles Times

Videos on social media show groups of friends screaming as they heard the news, while others describe feeling emotional and even teary.

From BBC

She described the days and weeks that followed as a teary blur.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s staring down at his boots, tugging at his lower lip, rubbing at his teary eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mournful 
• poignant 
• sad 
• sorrowful 
• watery 
• weeping 
• weepy