plucky

adjective

ˈplə-kē How to pronounce plucky (audio)
pluckier; pluckiest
Synonyms of pluckynext
: spirited, brave
pluckily
ˈplə-kə-lē How to pronounce plucky (audio)
adverb
pluckiness
ˈplə-kē-nəs How to pronounce plucky (audio)
noun

Examples of plucky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The plucky Chicago White Sox are the only lower-seeded team to win a Wild Card Series, and their reward is a trip to Cleveland to take on their division rivals, the Guardians. — The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Among the newspaper’s alums was Mildred Wirt Benson, better known to legions of Nancy Drew fans as Carolyn Keene, the original author of the mystery books featuring the plucky amateur detective. — Kate Brumback, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 In the book’s first movements, our plucky, brilliant guide through the world of Black mega-church runs on acidic observations, wit, and drolly spouted trivia. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Even after a catastrophic 2023 heatwave set off the worst coral bleaching event in state history, some plucky polyps clung to life. — Nicolás Rivero, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plucky

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plucky was in 1840

Rhymes for plucky

See All Rhymes for plucky

Browse Nearby Words

pluck up (the) courage
plucky
pluff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plucky. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plucky

adjective
ˈplək-ē How to pronounce plucky (audio)
pluckier; pluckiest
: courageous, brave

More from Merriam-Webster on plucky

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plucky

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