cagey
Cagey (adj) means careful and guarded about what you say or reveal; reluctant to share information. Example: “He got cagey when we asked about his new business partner.”
How to Use Cagey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing cautious and a bit secretive, dodging direct answers rather than lying outright.
Cagey people aren't necessarily hiding something bad — they're just being deliberately vague or non-committal.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
cagier comparative, cagiest superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He got _____ when we asked about his new business partner.
Etymology
An American colloquial term of unclear origin, first recorded in the early 1900s. Some suggest a link to the wary, closed-off behavior of a caged animal, but this is only a guess.
Rhymes for cagey
See all rhymes for cagey →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “cagey” mean?
The word “cagey” means careful and guarded about what you say or reveal; reluctant to share information. In plain terms, being cautious and a bit secretive, dodging direct answers rather than lying outright.
How do you pronounce “cagey”?
“Cagey” is pronounced KAYD-zhee (/ˈkeɪd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “cagey” in a sentence?
Here is “cagey” used in a sentence: “He got cagey when we asked about his new business partner.”
What part of speech is “cagey”?
“Cagey” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cagey” come from?
The word “cagey” dates back to around 1900. An American colloquial term of unclear origin, first recorded in the early 1900s. Some suggest a link to the wary, closed-off behavior of a caged animal, but this is only a guess.