spiky

[ spahy-kee ]

adjective

, spik·i·er, spik·i·est.

1. having a spike or spikes. spike.
2. having the form of a spike; spikelike.
3. acid or peevish in temper or mood; prickly.

ˈspiky

/ ˈspaɪkɪ /

adjective

1. resembling a spike
2. having a spike or spikes
3. informal.
   ill-tempered
4. characterized by violent or aggressive methods

   spiky protestors

Derived Forms

• ˈspikiness, noun
• ˈspikily, adverb

Other Words From

• spiki·ly adverb
• spiki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiky¹

First recorded in 1570–80; spike ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

"Wildfire smoke is a different animal, in that it's much spikier. There are many days where there's no wildfire smoke, and there are some days where exposure is really, really extreme."

From Science Daily

If an oarfish happens to swim up to the ocean’s surface, a sailor would see a long slithering creature with spiky protrusions on its head and could believe it was a sea monster, Paig-Tran said.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, “Stickerbush Symphony,” with its strangely melancholic New Age groove, accompanies a level in which the player navigates a fantastically cruel maze of spiky vines.

From New York Times

"You think it's OK to degrade someone/ Just because they're true to themselves?" she protests over a spiky rock riff.

From BBC

Smith was not like in life, although she was described as "spiky." according to those who worked with her, she admitted to being nervous before each take, which explains her devotion to precise delivery.

From Salon