adjective
Dicky
DIH-kee
Dicky (adjective) means In poor or unreliable condition; shaky, unsound. Example: “He’s had a dicky knee ever since the accident.”
adjective
1
In poor or unreliable condition; shaky, unsound.
"He’s had a dicky knee ever since the accident."
"The old car has a dicky engine that stalls in traffic."
noun
1
A small bird, especially in the informal phrase "dicky-bird."
"A little dicky landed on the windowsill."
How to use Dicky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something weak, unreliable, or likely to fail — often used for body parts or machinery.
When to use it
Informal, chiefly British.
Common pairings
a dicky heart
a dicky knee
dicky-bird
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Dicky.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dickies
- Comparative
- dickier
- Superlative
- dickiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He’s had a _____ knee ever since the accident.
Etymology
Formed from Dick and -y.
Related words
Rhymes for Dicky
See all rhymes for Dicky →Frequently asked questions
What does “Dicky” mean?
The word “Dicky” means in poor or unreliable condition; shaky, unsound. In plain terms, describes something weak, unreliable, or likely to fail — often used for body parts or machinery.
How do you pronounce “Dicky”?
“Dicky” is pronounced DIH-kee (/ˈdɪki/ in IPA).
How do you use “Dicky” in a sentence?
Here is “Dicky” used in a sentence: “He’s had a dicky knee ever since the accident.”
What part of speech is “Dicky”?
Depending on how it is used, “Dicky” can be an adjective and a noun.
How many meanings does “Dicky” have?
“Dicky” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in poor or unreliable condition; shaky, unsound.
