grumpier; grumpiest
: moodily cross : surly
grumpily adverb
grumpiness noun

Examples of grumpy in a Sentence

Our neighbor is a grumpy old man. I was feeling grumpy after my long flight.
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.
Many people might be harsh today, because this is a grumpy day! Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025 Labradors are known for their friendly and playful nature, while bulldogs, despite their sometimes grumpy demeanor, can be affectionate and loyal companions. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 And that annoyance, along with the crew’s trio of colds, set the tone for the rest of the mission: tense, grumpy, and confrontational, but determined. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 People fell for the grumpy yet loveable ogre Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, and his wisecracking companion Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grumpy

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grumpy was in 1778

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grumpy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grumpy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!