corky

[ kawr-kee ]

adjective

, cork·i·er, cork·i·est.

1. of the nature of cork; corklike.
2. Also (of wine, brandy, etc.) spoiled, especially by a tainted cork.

Other Words From

• corki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of corky¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; cork + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The victim's aunt confirmed her death over the weekend in a Facebook post, where she described the teen as “full of so much energy” with a “corky sense of humor.”

From Fox News

The bugs have sunk their needle-sharp stylets into the peaches, creating wounds that ooze a clear, sugary goo; form corky brown blemishes; and leave the trees more vulnerable to infection.

From Science Magazine

The tree’s dark grayish brown twigs bear unusual, corky ridges that lend the tree a peculiar angularity.

From New York Times

And he says not to worry about the “corky” brown texture on the skin of certain varieties since “russets tend to be spicier and have more character than the average apple.”

From New York Times

Look for squash that have hard, corky stems still attached; that have deep, vibrant colors; and that have a flat, matte-like finish rather than being glossy and shiny.

From Los Angeles Times