testy

adjective

tes·​ty ˈte-stē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
Synonyms of testynext
1
: easily annoyed : irritable
2
: marked by impatience or ill humor
testy remarks
testily
ˈte-stə-lē How to pronounce testy (audio)
adverb
testiness
ˈte-stē-nəs How to pronounce testy (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of testy in a Sentence

that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren't so testy all the time

Word History

Etymology

Middle English testif, from Anglo-French, headstrong, from teste head — more at tester entry 2

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of testy was in 1523

Rhymes for testy

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Browse Nearby Words

testudo
testy
Tesuque
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

testy

adjective
tes·​ty ˈtes-tē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
: easily annoyed : irritable
testily
-tə-lē How to pronounce testy (audio)
adverb
testiness
-tē-nəs How to pronounce testy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on testy

Nglish: Translation of testy for Spanish Speakers

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