shrewish

[ shroo-ish ]

adjective

1. having the disposition of a shrew.

shrewish

/ ˈʃruːɪʃ /

adjective

1. (esp of a woman) bad-tempered and nagging

Derived Forms

• ˈshrewishly, adverb
• ˈshrewishness, noun

Other Words From

• shrewish·ly adverb
• shrewish·ness noun
• un·shrewish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrewish¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; shrew ¹, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

As played by Jessalyn Gilsig, Terri is “the shrewish, nagging wife from hell,” as Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune wrote.

From The Daily Beast

I could have borne a shrewish tongue better, possibly because I could have answered it better.

From Project Gutenberg

The door opens and his landlady—a shrewish, sharp faced woman of 40—appears.

From Project Gutenberg

The baronet was a pale-faced, hunchback, lame creature, with a shrewish expression and a pair of brilliant grey eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

She paused to take breath, and to look with shrewish triumph at the girl who leaned against the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet with all this energy she is not shrewish, but a calm, grave woman, in much request in sick rooms or wherever there is trouble.

From Project Gutenberg