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adj

spry

spreye

Spry (adj) means Quick, nimble, and full of energy, especially for one's age. Example: “Her grandmother is remarkably spry for ninety.”

adj
1
Quick, nimble, and full of energy, especially for one's age.
"Her grandmother is remarkably spry for ninety."
"The spry old dog still chases squirrels around the yard."

How to use spry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLively and quick on your feet, often said admiringly of an older person.

Common pairings
spry old man spry for her age remarkably spry

Word forms

sprier comparative, Sprys plural, spriest superlative

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Her grandmother is remarkably _____ for ninety.

Etymology

From British dialect, ultimately from Old Norse sprækr meaning "nimble" or "lively", related to the word "spark."

Origin: Old Norse

Rhymes for spry

pry
See all rhymes for spry →

Frequently asked questions

What does “spry” mean?

The word “spry” means quick, nimble, and full of energy, especially for one's age. In plain terms, lively and quick on your feet, often said admiringly of an older person.

How do you pronounce “spry”?

“Spry” is pronounced spreye (/spɹaɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “spry” in a sentence?

Here is “spry” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother is remarkably spry for ninety.”

What part of speech is “spry”?

“Spry” is an adjective.

Where does the word “spry” come from?

The word “spry” comes from Old Norse. From British dialect, ultimately from Old Norse sprækr meaning "nimble" or "lively", related to the word "spark.".

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