feisty
Feisty (adj) means Full of spirit and energy; not afraid to stand up for oneself. Example: “The feisty toddler refused to leave the playground.”
How to use feisty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpunky and quick to stand up for yourself, often used approvingly for someone small but tough.
Word forms
feistier comparative, more feisty comparative, feistiest superlative, most feisty superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ toddler refused to leave the playground.
Etymology
Comes from the American word feist, an old term for a small, aggressive dog, itself traced back to an Old English word meaning "fart" — plus the ending -y.
Rhymes for feisty
See all rhymes for feisty →Frequently asked questions
What does “feisty” mean?
The word “feisty” means full of spirit and energy; not afraid to stand up for oneself. In plain terms, spunky and quick to stand up for yourself, often used approvingly for someone small but tough.
How do you pronounce “feisty”?
“Feisty” is pronounced FYS-tee (/ˈfaɪsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “feisty” in a sentence?
Here is “feisty” used in a sentence: “The feisty toddler refused to leave the playground.”
What part of speech is “feisty”?
“Feisty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “feisty” come from?
The word “feisty” comes from Old English. Comes from the American word feist, an old term for a small, aggressive dog, itself traced back to an Old English word meaning "fart" — plus the ending -y.