Search Dictionary
Definition of cocksure

cocksure

/ˈkɑːkˌʃʊr/
cock · sure
Adverb:cocksurely
JUMP TO:

cocksure Lexical Profile

cocksure Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Presumptuously or arrogantly confident; overly sure of oneself or one's opinions.

Example

"The young debater's cocksure attitude alienated several members of the judging panel."

2

Feeling or showing complete, unwavering certainty about a fact or outcome.

Example

"Never be too cocksure that the weather in the mountains will remain clear until nightfall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cocksure
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cocksure

• Nearby Words

cocksiness
cocksucker
cocksucking
cocksure
cocktail
cocktease
cockup

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century in the positive sense of 'perfectly secure or reliable,' likely referring to the tight seal of a cask spigot ('cock'), before shifting by the 18th century through association with the proud, strutting rooster to mean 'arrogantly self-confident.'

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cocksure. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cocksure
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.