plucky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈplə-kē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: spirited, brave

pluckily

ˈplə-kə-lē 

adverb

pluckiness

ˈplə-kē-nəs 

noun

pluckiness

2 of 2

noun

pluck·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being plucky

Examples of plucky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

After an impressive run, the plucky underdogs were knocked out in a thrilling match by Argentina, but the team returned home national heroes nonetheless. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

In other words, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is exactly like The Wizard of Oz, complete with a plucky young woman from the Sunflower State. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026

This World Cup has made unlikely international stars out of a plucky Cape Verde squad, further catapulted the status of gargantuan Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and firmly planted Lionel Messi as the greatest player of his generation. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Robert Duncan McNeill, a Trek alum from a key The Next Generation episode, was pivotal to Voyager as the plucky pilot Tom Paris. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for plucky

• bucky
• lucky
• mucky
• unlucky

Kids Definition

plucky

adjective

ˈplək-ē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: courageous, brave