adj
testy
TEHS-tee
Testy (adj) means Easily irritated or short-tempered. Example: “He gets testy when he hasn't had his morning coffee.”
adj
1
Easily irritated or short-tempered.
"He gets testy when he hasn't had his morning coffee."
"The manager grew testy after the third interruption."
How to use testy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuick to snap or get annoyed over small things.
Common pairings
testy exchange
a testy reply
grow testy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like testy.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- testier
- Superlative
- testiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gets _____ when he hasn't had his morning coffee.
Etymology
From Middle English testif, "headstrong", from Old French testu, "stubborn" — literally "having a lot of head" (from teste, "head"). The same French root gives modern French tête.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for testy
See all rhymes for testy →Frequently asked questions
What does “testy” mean?
The word “testy” means easily irritated or short-tempered. In plain terms, quick to snap or get annoyed over small things.
How do you pronounce “testy”?
“Testy” is pronounced TEHS-tee (/ˈtɛsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “testy” in a sentence?
Here is “testy” used in a sentence: “He gets testy when he hasn't had his morning coffee.”
What is another word for “testy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “testy” include touchy and tetchy.
What part of speech is “testy”?
“Testy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “testy” come from?
The word “testy” comes from Old French. From Middle English testif, "headstrong", from Old French testu, "stubborn" — literally "having a lot of head" (from teste, "head"). The same French root gives modern French tête.
