adj

teary

TEER-ree

Teary (adj) means having eyes filled with tears, or inclined to cry. Example: “He got a bit teary watching his daughter's graduation.”

adj

Having eyes filled with tears, or inclined to cry.

"He got a bit teary watching his daughter's graduation."

How to use teary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOn the verge of crying, or with eyes wet from tears.

Common pairings

teary-eyed get teary

tearier comparative, teariest superlative

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He got a bit _____ watching his daughter's graduation.

From Middle English tery, built from tear plus "-y."

Origin: Middle English

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

What does “teary” mean?

The word “teary” means having eyes filled with tears, or inclined to cry. In plain terms, on the verge of crying, or with eyes wet from tears.

How do you pronounce “teary”?

“Teary” is pronounced TEER-ree (/ˈtɪɚi/ in IPA).

How do you use “teary” in a sentence?

Here is “teary” used in a sentence: “He got a bit teary watching his daughter's graduation.”

What part of speech is “teary”?

“Teary” is an adjective.

Where does the word “teary” come from?

The word “teary” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tery, built from tear plus "-y.".