messier; messiest
1
: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy
a messy room
2
: lacking neatness or precision : careless, slovenly
messy thinking
3
: extremely unpleasant or trying
messy lawsuits
a messy divorce
messily adverb
messiness noun

Examples of messy in a Sentence

Painting a room can be messy work. Some kinds of glue are messier than others. a delicious but messy sandwich
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.
Juggling everything can get tricky — and sometimes messy. Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025 The series focuses on the Dupree family and their lives of affluence, served with a side of messy scandals. Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 But, for better and for worse, that is how architecture is made today — not by singular geniuses demanding their way, but by clients and professionals working in messy collaboration. Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Haack and Hall have publicized their messy split since Josh filed for divorce in July 2024. Janelle Ash, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for messy

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of messy was in 1627

Cite this Entry

“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messy. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

messy

adjective
messier; messiest
1
: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy
2
: extremely unpleasant or trying
messy lawsuits
messily adverb
messiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on messy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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