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adj

peaky

PEE-kee

Peaky (adj) means looking pale, tired, or slightly unwell. Example: “She'd been looking peaky ever since she caught that cold.”

adj
1
Looking pale, tired, or slightly unwell.
"She'd been looking peaky ever since she caught that cold."

How to use peaky

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mostly British, informal way of saying someone looks pale or under the weather.

When to use it

Informal British English.

Word forms

peakier comparative, peakiest superlative

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She'd been looking _____ ever since she caught that cold.

Etymology

From peak + the adjective suffix -y.

Rhymes for peaky

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Frequently asked questions

What does “peaky” mean?

The word “peaky” means looking pale, tired, or slightly unwell. In plain terms, a mostly British, informal way of saying someone looks pale or under the weather.

How do you pronounce “peaky”?

“Peaky” is pronounced PEE-kee (/ˈpiːki/ in IPA).

How do you use “peaky” in a sentence?

Here is “peaky” used in a sentence: “She'd been looking peaky ever since she caught that cold.”

What part of speech is “peaky”?

“Peaky” is an adjective.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial