spry

[ sprahy ]

adjective

, spry·er, spry·est or spri·er, spri·est.

1. active; nimble; agile; energetic; brisk.

spry

/ spraɪ /

adjective

1. active and brisk; nimble

Derived Forms

• ˈspryness, noun
• ˈspryly, adverb

Other Words From

• spryly adverb
• spryness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spry¹

First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of spry¹

C18: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect spragg sprig

Example Sentences

The rest of the film is a limp to the finish line, not that it was all that spry to begin with.

From Los Angeles Times

The play’s spry theatricality has no trouble accommodating Leon’s 21st century vision of Grover’s Corners.

From Los Angeles Times

He stubbornly refused to face reality and listen to Democratic voters who kept telling pollsters they desired a spryer candidate.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a quirky, small-scale, quietly reflective work that’s as tenderhearted as it is spryly comic and as poignant as it is ultimately uplifting.

From Los Angeles Times

The spry 76-year-old with bushy gray hair growing horizontally off his head like a subdued Doc Brown is the white hat — the boss — on his crew.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agile
• brisk
• energetic
• lithe
• robust
• sprightly