adj
tipsy
TIHP-see
Tipsy (adj) means Slightly drunk; unsteady from alcohol. Example: “After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly tipsy.”
adj
1
Slightly drunk; unsteady from alcohol.
"After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly tipsy."
"He got a bit tipsy at the wedding reception."
How to use tipsy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bit drunk, but not fully intoxicated.
Common mistake
Tipsy is milder than "drunk" — it suggests a light, often cheerful buzz rather than serious intoxication.
Common pairings
a bit tipsy
feeling tipsy
get tipsy
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Word forms
- Comparative
- tipsier
- Superlative
- tipsiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly _____.
Etymology
From "tips" plus -y, on the same pattern as "artsy" or "folksy."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “tipsy” mean?
The word “tipsy” means slightly drunk; unsteady from alcohol. In plain terms, a bit drunk, but not fully intoxicated.
How do you pronounce “tipsy”?
“Tipsy” is pronounced TIHP-see (/ˈtɪp.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “tipsy” in a sentence?
Here is “tipsy” used in a sentence: “After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly tipsy.”
What is another word for “tipsy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tipsy” include merry, squiffy, precarious, tottering, wobbly and rickety.
What part of speech is “tipsy”?
“Tipsy” is an adjective.
