cranky

¹

[ krang-kee ]

adjective

, crank·i·er, crank·i·est.

1. ill-tempered; grouchy; cross:

   I'm always cranky when I don't get enough sleep.

   Synonyms: perverse, cantankerous, crotchety

2. eccentric; queer.
3. shaky; unsteady; out of order.
4. full of bends or windings; crooked.
5. British Dialect. sickly; in unsound or feeble condition; infirm.

cranky

²

[ krang-kee ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. crank ²( def 1 ).

cranky

¹

/ ˈkræŋkɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   eccentric
2. informal.
   fussy and bad-tempered
3. shaky; out of order
4. full of bends and turns
5. dialect.
   unwell

cranky

²

/ ˈkræŋkɪ /

adjective

1. nautical another word for crank 2

Derived Forms

• ˈcrankily, adverb
• ˈcrankiness, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cranky¹

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

Origin of cranky²

First recorded in 1835–45; crank ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

However cranky members of Trump's team seem to be about this, however, Trump himself continues to be pleased with Hegseth.

From Salon

In conclusion, she says with more than a hint of sass, “For all the cranky, musty, dusty adults out there who think little kids shouldn’t be using skin care ... get it together!”

From Los Angeles Times

But everyone can tell that it's not Trump's policies that need a nap; it's the cranky old man himself.

From Salon

He shouted out his words, not at all the joyful warrior of Harris-Walz fashion, but more like a cranky old man shooing kids off his lawn.

From Los Angeles Times

It isn't just Biden who has to limit public appearances, lest he get tired and cranky.

From Salon

Related Words

• cantankerous
• grouchy
• grumpy
• irascible
• irritable
• ornery
• ugly