plucky

[ pluhk-ee ]

adjective

, pluck·i·er, pluck·i·est.

1. having or showing pluck or courage; brave:

   The drowning swimmer was rescued by a plucky schoolboy.

   Synonyms: spirited, spunky, cheerful, determined, courageous

plucky

/ ˈplʌkɪ /

adjective

1. having or showing courage in the face of difficulties, danger, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈpluckily, adverb
• ˈpluckiness, noun

Other Words From

• plucki·ly adverb
• plucki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of plucky¹

First recorded in 1820–30; pluck + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Williams had met with Lawrence and Segel once over Zoom to talk about playing the plucky therapist.

From Los Angeles Times

Any character that wasn’t featured in a novel by Elena Ferrante or Natalia Ginzburg, Taddeo remembers, was some version of plucky and fun, with some physical flaw differentiating her from classic beauties.

From Salon

“Not to say that we don't still want those plucky characters who, you know, they exist. They're real women too. I don't know as many of them, but that could just be what I attract. I attract fellow dark souls, not plucky heroines.”

From Salon

Since popping up as plucky car mechanic Charlene on Neighbours in 1986, she's racked up dozens of hit singles and a trophy cabinet full of awards.

From BBC

That's the concept behind The Plucky Squire, a new video game set inside - and outside - a storybook.

From BBC

Related Words

• courageous
• gutsy
• heroic
• spirited
• spunky
• valiant