stickier; stickiest
3
: tending to stick
4
a
: disagreeable, unpleasant
came to a sticky end
c
: difficult, problematic
a sticky situation
5
: excessively sentimental : cloying
Examples of sticky in a Sentence
The sap is very sticky.
There is a sticky substance on the table.
The paint was still sticky.
The weather was hot and sticky.
Recent Examples on the Web
Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
In other words, shoppers are snapping up the pieces that let sweet, sweet air hit your skin during sticky days.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 30 May 2025
Two drugs now on the market clear the brain of sticky amyloid plaques, clumps of toxic protein that accumulate between neurons.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticky
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.
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
In other words, shoppers are snapping up the pieces that let sweet, sweet air hit your skin during sticky days.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 30 May 2025
Two drugs now on the market clear the brain of sticky amyloid plaques, clumps of toxic protein that accumulate between neurons.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sticky
adjective
stickier; stickiest
1
a
: adhesive entry 1, gluey
sticky syrup
b
: coated with a sticky substance
the tabletop was sticky
3
: tending to stick
sticky windows
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share