haughty
Haughty (adj) means acting as if one is better than others; arrogantly proud and disdainful. Example: “The waiter gave a haughty sniff when we asked for ketchup.”
How to use haughty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking down on other people; snobbish and proud.
Don't confuse with "haughty" and "hoity-toity," which mean almost the same thing and are often used together for emphasis.
Word forms
haughtier comparative, haughtiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The waiter gave a _____ sniff when we asked for ketchup.
Etymology
From Old French haut, meaning "high," the same root that gives English "altitude" — the spelling shifted over time to look more like "naughty."
Rhymes for haughty
See all rhymes for haughty →Frequently asked questions
What does “haughty” mean?
The word “haughty” means acting as if one is better than others; arrogantly proud and disdainful. In plain terms, looking down on other people; snobbish and proud.
How do you pronounce “haughty”?
“Haughty” is pronounced HAW-tee (/ˈhɔːti/ in IPA).
How do you use “haughty” in a sentence?
Here is “haughty” used in a sentence: “The waiter gave a haughty sniff when we asked for ketchup.”
What part of speech is “haughty”?
“Haughty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “haughty” come from?
The word “haughty” comes from Old French. From Old French haut, meaning "high," the same root that gives English "altitude" — the spelling shifted over time to look more like "naughty.".
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include haughty: