noun
lackey
LA-kee
Lackey (noun) means a servant, especially one in uniform, or by extension someone who follows orders without question. Example: “The dictator surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions.”
noun
1
A servant, especially one in uniform, or by extension someone who follows orders without question.
"The dictator surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions."
verb
1
To serve someone in an overly obedient, fawning way.
"He spent years lackeying for the boss, hoping for a promotion that never came."
How to use lackey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA servant, or more often today, an insult for someone who obeys a powerful person too eagerly.
When to use it
Usually used dismissively or as an insult, not a neutral job title.
Common pairings
corporate lackey
mindless lackey
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Word forms
- Plural
- lackeys
- Third person singular
- lackeys
- Past tense
- lackeyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dictator surrounded himself with _____ who never questioned his decisions.
Etymology
Borrowed from French laquais, tracing back through Spanish and possibly Arabic or Turkish origins.
Related words
Rhymes for lackey
See all rhymes for lackey →Frequently asked questions
What does “lackey” mean?
The word “lackey” means a servant, especially one in uniform, or by extension someone who follows orders without question. In plain terms, a servant, or more often today, an insult for someone who obeys a powerful person too eagerly.
How do you pronounce “lackey”?
“Lackey” is pronounced LA-kee (/ˈlæ.ki/ in IPA).
How do you use “lackey” in a sentence?
Here is “lackey” used in a sentence: “The dictator surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions.”
What part of speech is “lackey”?
Depending on how it is used, “lackey” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lackey” come from?
The word “lackey” comes from French. Borrowed from French laquais, tracing back through Spanish and possibly Arabic or Turkish origins.
How many meanings does “lackey” have?
“Lackey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a servant, especially one in uniform, or by extension someone who follows orders without question.
