wirier ˈwī-rē-ər How to pronounce wiry (audio) ; wiriest
1
a
archaic : made of wire
b
: resembling wire especially in form and flexibility
the wiry coat of the Irish terrier
wiry stems
c
of sound : produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire
the violinist … often let his tone go nasal and wiryD. J. Henahan
2
: being lean, supple, and vigorous : sinewy
the wiry figure of a long-distance runnerPhoenix Flame
wirily adverb
wiriness noun

Examples of wiry in a Sentence

a man with long, wiry arms She was lean and wiry from years of working out. He has dark, wiry hair.
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.
His wiry frame and outside shot have already drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, which Ament calls a blessing. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2025 Bateman commits to his character’s wiry unruliness and makes Vince into a self-destructive twit, which is probably by intent. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025 The wiry outfielder received just 48 plate appearances in his first two collegiate seasons. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Walmsley will portray Pat, a wiry, volatile young Westie with a chip on his shoulder, quick to throw punches and eager to prove himself. Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wiry

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wiry was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Wiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wiry. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wiry

adjective
wirier ˈwī-rē-ər How to pronounce wiry (audio) ; wiriest
1
: resembling wire in form and flexibility
wiry stems
2
: being slender yet strong and muscular
a wiry physique

More from Merriam-Webster on wiry

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