nervy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈnər-vē 

nervier; nerviest

1

archaic : sinewy, strong

2

a

: showing or expressive of calm courage : bold

b

: marked by effrontery or presumption : brash

3

: excitable, nervous

nervily

ˈnər-və-lē 

adverb

nerviness

ˈnər-vē-nəs 

noun

nerviness

2 of 2

noun

nerv·​i·​ness ˈnərvēnə̇s 

-ə̄v-, 

-əiv, 

-vin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being nervy

the scramble and nerviness of competitive living

—George Farwell

Synonyms of nervy

Adjective

• wise
• cheeky
• bold
• cocky
• impudent
• brazen
• brassy
• fresh
• saucy
• sassy
• defiant
• insolent
• cocksure
• blunt
• assertive
• audacious
• brash
• impertinent

Examples of nervy in a Sentence

Adjective

a nervy performance in the play-offs

a nervy film director who's not afraid to take risks

The passengers were restless and nervy after the long flight.

Too much coffee makes me nervy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The 18th hole is a big-boy par 4 measuring over 500 yards and should make for a nervy finish. — Dennis Esser, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Coach Thomas Tuchel helped England navigate a nervy 3-2 win over Mexico in a Round of 16 match in Mexico City. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

This ambiguity doesn’t feel entirely intentional, but at least Paksoy’s performance makes her character’s unraveling feel nervy and thrillingly palpable. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 July 2026

At lunch, after 25 overs, were a nervy Henry Nicholls on 23 from 50 balls and Rachin Ravindra on 11 after a couple of exquisite boundaries. — ABC News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nervy

• curvy
• scurvy

Kids Definition

nervy

adjective

ˈnər-vē 

nervier; nerviest

1

a

: showing calm courage : fearless

b

: rudely bold

a nervy salesperson

2

: excitable sense 1, nervous

nerviness noun