peckish

[ pek-ish ]

adjective

, Chiefly British Informal.

1. somewhat hungry:

   By noon we were feeling a bit peckish.

2. rather irritable:

   He's always a bit peckish after his nap.

peckish

/ ˈpɛkɪʃ /

adjective

1. informal.
   feeling slightly hungry; having an appetite

Word History and Origins

Origin of peckish¹

First recorded in 1775–85; peck ¹ + -ish ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of peckish¹

C18: from peck ²

Example Sentences

Not that he ever did feel a bit peckish after the hearty snack, for his sandwich was pecked by the four young Seasons at home.

From Project Gutenberg

Feelin' a little peckish, I went into a eatin' house to-day and encountered a young man with long black hair and slender frame.

From Project Gutenberg

Peck is also an old word for provender, and we still speak of feeling peckish.

From Project Gutenberg

We're not likely to be in time for table d'hte—not that I'm peckish.

From Project Gutenberg

It's making me deuced peckish, I know that—how about lunch, eh!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dehydrated
• dying
• emaciated
• hungry
• malnourished
• undernourished