spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
: full of energy, animation, or courage
a spirited discussion
spiritedly adverb
spiritedness noun

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You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".

Examples of spirited in a Sentence

The team put up a spirited defense. She's a very spirited young lady.
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.
Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets are Pivetta’s most frequent opponents in these spirited games. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 Each table, each stool, each spirited exchange between barkeep and guest becomes part of a collective verse. Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025 In each, the combination of spirited movement (by Barnes) and gently confessional text (by Saenz de Viteri) in an uncommon, often rarefied, space reliably produced an unforgettable experience that somehow managed to be both deeply insightful and simply a delight. Brian Schaefer july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025 The rebellion is coming when Uranus moves through spirited Gemini — so stay tuned and be cognizant of all the world events that are happening and transpiring. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirited

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spirited was in 1601

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Cite this Entry

“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

spirited

adjective
spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ət-əd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
: full of courage or energy
a spirited discussion
spiritedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spirited

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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