adj
wiry
WEYE-ree
Wiry (adj) means Lean and muscular, with visible strength rather than bulk. Example: “The marathon runner had a wiry build that seemed built for endurance.”
adj
1
Lean and muscular, with visible strength rather than bulk.
"The marathon runner had a wiry build that seemed built for endurance."
"Despite his wiry frame, he could lift far more than expected."
2
Resembling wire in texture, especially stiff or springy hair or fur.
"The terrier had a coarse, wiry coat that needed regular brushing."
"His wiry gray hair stuck out in every direction."
How to use wiry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThin but tough — used for lean, strong bodies or for stiff, springy hair or fur.
Common pairings
wiry build
wiry hair
wiry frame
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Word forms
- Comparative
- wirier
- Superlative
- wiriest
Fill the gap
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The marathon runner had a _____ build that seemed built for endurance.
Etymology
Formed from wire plus the suffix -y, describing something with the texture or leanness of wire.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for wiry
See all rhymes for wiry →Frequently asked questions
What does “wiry” mean?
The word “wiry” means lean and muscular, with visible strength rather than bulk. In plain terms, thin but tough — used for lean, strong bodies or for stiff, springy hair or fur.
How do you pronounce “wiry”?
“Wiry” is pronounced WEYE-ree (/ˈwaɪ(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “wiry” in a sentence?
Here is “wiry” used in a sentence: “The marathon runner had a wiry build that seemed built for endurance.”
What part of speech is “wiry”?
“Wiry” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “wiry” have?
“Wiry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lean and muscular, with visible strength rather than bulk.
