stickier; stickiest
1
a
b(1)
(2)
: coated with a sticky substance
2
: humid, muggy
also : clammy
3
: tending to stick
4
a
: disagreeable, unpleasant
came to a sticky end
b
c
: difficult, problematic
a sticky situation
5
: excessively sentimental : cloying
stickily adverb
stickiness noun

Examples of sticky in a Sentence

The sap is very sticky. There is a sticky substance on the table. The paint was still sticky. The weather was hot and sticky.
Recent Examples on the Web Rather than being sticky, however, the formula is lightweight and sinks in quickly to thoroughly moisturize skin, preparing it for steps ahead. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 Officials are watching the consumer and the employment market because while inflation is sticky, the economy is also strong in the face of higher rates and inflation. Bryan Mena, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Contrary to its fearsome name, the vampire squid passively feeds on marine snow – drifting organic particles – using two long, sticky filaments. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Then the sauces are meant to be dipped with sticky rice with your meal. Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 Summarization and Quick Reference Guides Creating bullet-point summaries for each chapter and using sticky flags for essential pages facilitates quick reviews. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 Mocking others The undisputed master of mockery is Donald Trump, whose insulting nicknames have proved particularly sticky. Christian Stadler, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 What’s better yet is that it’s quickly absorbed by your skin and won’t leave it feeling sticky. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 Read More: What Types of Tools Did Neanderthals Use and Develop? Neanderthals and Glue Why would Neanderthals make tools with less sticky components? Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sticky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticky was in 1688

Dictionary Entries Near sticky

Cite this Entry

“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sticky

adjective
stickier; stickiest
1
a
: adhesive entry 1, gluey
sticky syrup
b
: coated with a sticky substance
the tabletop was sticky
2
: muggy, humid
a hot sticky day
3
: tending to stick
sticky windows
stickily adverb
stickiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sticky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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