spunky

[ spuhng-kee ]

adjective

, spunk·i·er, spunk·i·est.

1. plucky; spirited.

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spunky¹

First recorded in 1780–90; spunk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

A spunky 56-year-old, who has been homeless herself, she was lured away from a 30-year career in commercial purchasing to become a full-time outreach worker for Harbor Interfaith.

From Los Angeles Times

It still doesn’t match the touristic draw of either, but the spunky kid sister of the California wine countries has grown up since 2004, when Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church took their fateful stag trip into the region, declaring war on Merlot and driving Pinot Noir sales through the roof.

From Los Angeles Times

Spunky Xin Bao is said to be the better climber.

From Los Angeles Times

In the photo, Halsey adorns a spunky pixie haircut and overplucked skinny eyebrows to pay homage to O'Riordan's cherry red short hairdo and overall '00s punk rock aesthetic.

From Salon

A former Duck spared his new team a blowout with some spunky play late in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chirpy
• courageous
• energetic
• fearless
• high-spirited
• peppy
• plucky