Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

high-spirited

American  
[hahy-spir-i-tid] / ˈhaɪˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized by energetic enthusiasm, elation, vivacity, etc.

  2. boldly courageous; mettlesome.


high-spirited British  

adjective

  1. vivacious, bold, or lively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • high-spiritedly adjective
  • high-spiritedness noun

Etymology

Origin of high-spirited

First recorded in 1625–35

Vocabulary lists containing high-spirited

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Either way, the high-spirited jams are a throwback to a time when you still felt like clapping your hands, and maybe even saying “yeah. “

From Salon • Jun. 28, 2025

Ms. Springsteen’s high-spirited ethos, ever-present, seemed to be the through line in her life, and one that buoyed the lives of the people around her.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024

Mr Hill said queues could be "high-spirited" and there was sometimes jostling but it was "nothing like a football crowd".

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2023

The event was scriptless, to honor a compromise with striking writers, but chock full of high-spirited Broadway performances drawing raucous cheers from an audience clearly thrilled to be there at all.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 12, 2023

He was by then a growing sensation on the basketball court, high-spirited and agile and quickly growing tall.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama