PLUCKY (pluckier, pluckiest)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected forms: pluckier    , pluckiest   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does plucky mean? 

• PLUCKY (adjective)
  The adjective PLUCKY has 2 senses:

1. marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited

2. showing courage

  Familiarity information: PLUCKY used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PLUCKY (adjective)

Comparative: pluckier   
Superlative: pluckiest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited

Synonyms:

gutsy; plucky

Context example:

a gutsy red wine

Derivation:

pluck (the trait of showing courage and determination in spite of possible loss or injury)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Showing courage

Synonyms:

feisty; plucky; spunky

Context example:

the champion is faced with a feisty challenger

Similar:

spirited (displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness)

Derivation:

pluck; pluckiness (the trait of showing courage and determination in spite of possible loss or injury)

 Context examples 

Plucky little chaps they are, and hardly gave a squeak.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“You speak up plucky, and by thunder, I've a chance!”

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

"Well, I call that plucky!" and young Mr. Lamb turned an approving glance upon Amy, wondering what his mother could be saying to make the girl look so red and uncomfortable.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

They don't complain much—plucky little souls—but they feel it.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)