1
: being in a state of readiness to brood eggs that is characterized by cessation of laying and by marked changes in behavior and physiology
a broody hen
2
: given or conducive to introspection : contemplative, moody
broodiness noun

Examples of broody in a Sentence

a movie with a dark and broody atmosphere he spent a long, broody weekend trying to figure out where his relationship with his girlfriend was headed
Recent Examples on the Web Misfit is a patchouli-amber number that feels broodier and sophisticated, yet manages to wear light enough year-round. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2023 Prosecco, perfect in an Aperol Spritz, just adds too much enthusiasm to what is a broodier drink. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2023 And she's torn between two love interests, a pair of basically interchangeable broody white boys, à la Felicity. A.a. Dowd, Chron, 21 Nov. 2022 Lautner starred as Jacob in all four movies alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who played Bella Swan and her broody vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen, respectively. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2022 One of the latest YA entries, Netflix's adaptation of Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride, centers a food fight at a summer BBQ as a key part of Auden's (Emma Pasarow) coming-of-age and her central romance with broody BMX biker, Eli (Belmont Camelli). Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 June 2022 It's filled with hilarious banter, quirky community, and a romantic connection between an exuberant lawyer and a broody ex-Marine that is both incredibly sweet and scorching hot. Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2022 In his English-language debut, Carax centres on Henry (Driver), a broody stand-up comedian, and Ann (Cotillard), a world-famous opera singer, who fall in love and have a daughter named Annette. Natalie Morin, refinery29.com, 20 Apr. 2021 Set in London, the story finds the ordinary, likable Louise having an affair with her broody psychiatrist boss, David. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broody.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broody was in 1523

Dictionary Entries Near broody

Cite this Entry

“Broody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broody. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

broody

adjective
: being in a condition to brood eggs
a broody hen
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