wirier ˈwī-rē-ər How to pronounce wiry (audio) ; wiriest
1
a
archaic : made of wire
b
: resembling wire especially in form and flexibility
the wiry coat of the Irish terrier
wiry stems
c
of sound : produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire
the violinist … often let his tone go nasal and wiryD. J. Henahan
2
: being lean, supple, and vigorous : sinewy
the wiry figure of a long-distance runnerPhoenix Flame
wirily adverb
wiriness noun

Examples of wiry in a Sentence

a man with long, wiry arms She was lean and wiry from years of working out. He has dark, wiry hair.
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.
The wiry, 6-4 forward was taken with the 12th overall pick by Charlotte FC in the 2022 MLS Draft. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025 Flowers bloom late spring to early summer atop wiry, branched, nearly leafless stems rising to 24 inches tall above an 18-inch-tall clump of deep green leaves. Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025 He’s got some wiry strength and power with room to fill out and add lean muscle mass to a very rangy frame. Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2025 At just 17, the wiry triple-threat appears taller than expected — his spry frame helping explain the explosive dance moves that have the R&B world buzzing. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wiry

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wiry was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

wiry

adjective
wirier ˈwī-rē-ər How to pronounce wiry (audio) ; wiriest
1
: resembling wire in form and flexibility
wiry stems
2
: being slender yet strong and muscular
a wiry physique

More from Merriam-Webster on wiry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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