stealthy

[ stel-thee ]

adjective

, stealth·i·er, stealth·i·est.

1. done, characterized, or acting by stealth; furtive:

   stealthy footsteps.

ˈstealthy

/ ˈstɛlθɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by great caution, secrecy, etc; furtive

Derived Forms

• ˈstealthiness, noun
• ˈstealthily, adverb

Other Words From

• stealth·i·ly [stel, -thi-lee], adverb
• stealth·i·ness noun
• un·stealth·i·ness noun
• un·stealth·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stealthy¹

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

Example Sentences

His off-kilter demeanor looks especially dangerous in scenes he shares with Strong or May, whose Empress is stealthier than the strutting warrior she showcased in “The Witcher.”

From Salon

And in some cases, they suggest, it can be more efficient than stealthy stalking.

From Science Magazine

But it seemed to me she stole a stealthy look in my direction.

From Literature

Microsoft called the intrusions Volt Typhoon, after a Chinese network of hackers who often avoided using detectable malware and instead used stealthier techniques to enter wastewater systems and communication networks.

From New York Times

Swimming in schools makes fish surprisingly stealthy underwater, with a group able to sound like a single fish.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• crafty