edgy

adjective

ˈe-jē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

a

: being on edge : tense, irritable

b

: characterized by tension

edgy negotiations

3

: having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

an edgy film

edgily

ˈe-jə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈe-jē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• troubled
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of edgy in a Sentence

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

Their relationship has always been edgy.

one of the director's edgier films

Recent Examples on the Web

The red shade combined with studded accents creates an edgy, on-trend look that stands out. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024

The mercurial, musically adventurous New York native was best known for his work with the Temptations, where his psychedelic soul flourished with a series of edgy hits. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 20 Oct. 2024

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images One of her edgiest red carpet looks in recent history, Selena Gomez finished off the ensemble with the perfect amount of silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry while letting the neckline of the dress speak for itself. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2024

The limited-edition capsule melds Diesel’s edgy aesthetic with Savage x Fenty’s unapologetic, body-positive ethos. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edgy

adjective

ˈej-ē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

: tense entry 2 sense 2, irritable

spoke with an edgy tone

edgily

ˈej-ə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈej-ē-nəs 

noun