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Definition of plucky

plucky

/ˈplʌk.i/
pluck · y
Adverb:pluckily
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plucky Lexical Profile

plucky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing determined courage and spirit in the face of difficulties, odds, or adversity.

Example

"The plucky young journalist refused to back down despite pressure from the city council."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for plucky

• Nearby Words

pluck
pluckily
pluckiness
plucky
plug
plugger
plughole

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun 'pluck' (meaning courage or spirit) and the suffix '-y'. The noun 'pluck' originally referred to the heart, liver, and lungs of an animal plucked out after slaughter, which figuratively came to represent the seat of courage, much like 'heart' or 'guts'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Plucky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/plucky
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