ickier; ickiest
: offensive to the senses or sensibilities : distasteful
put off by her icky tritenessRenata Adler
ickiness noun

Examples of icky in a Sentence

The trail was icky with mud. the novel has an icky sentimentality that makes my skin crawl
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.
Everything about the way this plot device plays out is supremely icky. Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025 So, while the prospect of a jumping spider might be icky, the biomechanics behind it are certainly interesting. New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025 If talking about age feels too icky, think of it more in terms of revivifying the party’s ideas and approach to meet the moment. Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 29 May 2025 Plus, Devon’s dad and his dementia get played for laughs in a way that feels icky. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for icky

Word History

Etymology

perhaps baby talk alteration of sticky

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of icky was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Icky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icky. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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