tipsy

adjective

tip·​sy ˈtip-sē How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
tipsier; tipsiest
1
: unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor : fuddled
2
: unsteady, askew
a tipsy angle
tipsily adverb
tipsiness noun

Examples of tipsy in a Sentence

I got a little tipsy at the party last night. our uncle had too much to drink at the wedding and got a little tipsy
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.
Even Stacey and Florian noticed that Darcey was getting tipsy. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 Things only get worse when, after the guests go to bed, a tipsy Solène does cheerleading stunts with Damo by the Jacuzzi instead of working. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025 The job is a ball, interactions take strategy, tipsy men are the obstacles — and obviously, the tips are the prize. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 2 May 2025 Gently fold the tipsy cherries into the mousse and add some of the remaining liquor (if desired). Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tipsy

Word History

Etymology

tip entry 1 + -sy (as in tricksy)

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tipsy was in 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tipsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tipsy. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tipsy

adjective
tip·​sy ˈtip-sē How to pronounce tipsy (audio)
tipsier; tipsiest
: unsteady or foolish from drinking

More from Merriam-Webster on tipsy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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