nervy

American  

[nur-vee] / ˈnɜr vi /

adjective

nervier, nerviest

1. brashly presumptuous or insolent; pushy.

   a nervy thing to say; a nervy trick to pull.

2. having or showing courage; brave or bold.

   the nervy feats of the mountaineers.

3. strong; sinewy; vigorous.

   a hard, nervy physique.

4. Chiefly British. straining one's patience or forbearance; trying.

5. nervous; excitable; on edge.

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nervy British  

/ ˈnɜːvɪ /

adjective

1. informal tense or apprehensive

2. having or needing bravery or endurance

3. informal brash or cheeky

4. archaic muscular; sinewy

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Other Word Forms

• nervily adverb
• nerviness noun

Etymology

Origin of nervy

First recorded in 1600–10; nerve + -y ¹

Example Sentences

There could be some nervy moments for the home fans when the Bees break forward, but I am still going to back Leeds to get the job done at Elland Road.

From BBC

Making us feel less nervy about the future would be the fastest way to get us back on track in the short run.

From BBC

It set up a nervy night for Ireland when their post-England euphoria was quickly forgotten as they set about keeping a stubborn and spirited Wales side quiet.

From BBC

While they can salvage some pride by beating Italy next week, Ireland still have their sights set on silverware after surviving a nervy test against a side they had been tipped to beat comfortably.

From BBC

After nervy wins over Nepal, Scotland and Italy in the group stage, they are closing in on a place in the last four.

From BBC