racy

[ rey-see ]

adjective

racier, raciest.

1. slightly improper or indelicate; suggestive; risqué.
2. vigorous; lively; spirited.

   Synonyms: animated

   Antonyms: slow

3. sprightly; piquant; pungent:

   a racy literary style.

   Synonyms: strong

4. having an agreeably peculiar taste or flavor, as wine, fruit, etc.

racy

/ ˈreɪsɪ /

adjective

1. (of a person's manner, literary style, etc) having a distinctively lively and spirited quality; fresh
2. having a characteristic or distinctive flavour

   a racy wine

3. suggestive; slightly indecent; risqué

   a racy comedy

Derived Forms

• ˈracily, adverb
• ˈraciness, noun

Other Word Forms

• raci·ly adverb
• raci·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of racy¹

First recorded in 1645–55; race ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Methods which McIlroy used to zone out included watching racy period drama Bridgerton - which he claimed he was talked into by wife Erica - and Disney animation Zootopia with his four-year-old daughter Poppy.

From BBC

The artfully racy dancing in the latter was enough the leave the crowd howling.

From Los Angeles Times

Each of the men also carried racy identification cards with strippers and QR codes on them.

From Los Angeles Times

Designers such as Loewe showed their racier side at fashion week - think stretchy materials and big brand logos that wouldn't look out of place on your favourite athlete.

From BBC

But the song was not without controversy due to its racy lyrics, Michael's shifting public perception and his sexuality.

From Salon

Related Words

• bawdy
• erotic
• lewd
• lurid
• naughty
• off-color
• suggestive