teary

[ teer-ee ]

adjective

, tear·i·er, tear·i·est.

1. of or like tears.
2. tearful.

teary

/ ˈtɪərɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by, covered with, or secreting tears
2. given to weeping; tearful

Derived Forms

• ˈteariness, noun
• ˈtearily, adverb

Other Words From

• teari·ly adverb
• teari·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of teary¹

First recorded in 1325–75, teary is from the Middle English word tery. See tear ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

They’ll all do a bit of self-reflection and have an epiphany about their current stasis, and then proceed to the teary catharsis and a renewed approach to life.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, all too predictably, a teary Combs posted a video on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Their conversation, which took place shortly after Gladstone won a Golden Globe, became emotional, with Haaland getting “super teary about the representation in that moment” when Gladstone’s name was called.

From Seattle Times

At season’s end, he proposed to Theresa Nist in a teary finale.

From New York Times

Talking about it now is making me a little teary.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• mournful
• poignant
• sad
• sorrowful
• watery
• weeping
• weepy