teary

American  

[teer-ee] / ˈtɪər i /

adjective

tearier, teariest

1. of or like tears.

2. tearful.

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teary British  

/ ˈtɪərɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by, covered with, or secreting tears

2. given to weeping; tearful

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Other Word Forms

• tearily adverb
• teariness noun

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

"I will go," he told AFP with teary eyes.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 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

Tom Grennan, Sam Fender and Mumford & Sons topped the bill, while Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance and JADE, from Little Mix, got teary on stage.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 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

Eleanor's mom read it first, and it made her get all teary.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

Related Words

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