tipsy

1 of 2

adjective

tip·​sy ˈtip-sē How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
tipsier; tipsiest
Synonyms of tipsy
1
: unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor : fuddled
2
: unsteady, askew
a tipsy angle
tipsily
ˈtip-sə-lē How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
adverb
tipsiness
ˈtip-sē-nəs How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
noun

tipsiness

2 of 2

noun

tip·​si·​ness -sēnə̇s How to pronounce tipsiness (audio)
-sin-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being tipsy

Synonyms of tipsy

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Adjective

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Examples of tipsy in a Sentence

Adjective I got a little tipsy at the party last night. our uncle had too much to drink at the wedding and got a little tipsy
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.
Adjective
Randy Quaid played the tipsy Vietnam vet and former alien abductee Russell Casse, who ultimately delivers righteous vengeance upon Earth’s otherworldly invaders. — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 Taqueria Hoy remains a refuge for factory workers, restaurant crews, tipsy clubbers, cops, families, insomniacs and others hungry in between. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 Frustrated with her imperfect husband, a tipsy Marge stirs up a trilogy of fantasies of a different Homer. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 May 2026 Of course, no seder would be complete without everyone sitting at the table at the end of the night, totally stuffed and maybe a little tipsy, to chat and gossip about everyday life. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tipsy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

tip entry 1 + -sy (as in tricksy)

First Known Use

Adjective

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tipsy was in 1577

Rhymes for tipsy

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Browse Nearby Words

tipstock
tipsy
tipsy cake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tipsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tipsy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tipsy

adjective
tip·​sy ˈtip-sē How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
tipsier; tipsiest
: unsteady or foolish from drinking

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