wiry

adjective

ˈwī(-ə)r-ē 

wirier ˈwī-rē-ər  ; wiriest

1

a

archaic : made of wire

b

: resembling wire especially in form and flexibility

the wiry coat of the schnauzer

wiry stems

c

of sound : produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire

The violist … often let his tone go nasal and wiry.

—D. J. Henahan

2

: being lean, supple, and vigorous : sinewy

… the wiry figure of a long distance runner.

—Phoenix Flame

wirily

ˈwī-rə-lē 

adverb

wiriness

ˈwī-rē-nəs 

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

The Sponge Cleaning Mistake That Can Ruin Appliances Using the abrasive side of a sponge—or the side of the sponge that's more coarse, wiry, and often a different color than the soft side—can cause damage to an appliance. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S 3 Toledo A rangy, wiry safety with impressive speed who may see NFL reps as a rookie. —Dane Brugler, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026

At 5-foot-11 and 155 pounds, Kozak is lean and wiry but generates tremendous bat speed. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

Rahim lost about 40 pounds to play Amin, every inch of his emaciated, wiry frame consumed with getting its next fix. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wiry

• kyrie
• expiry
• inquiry

Kids Definition

wiry

adjective

ˈwī(ə)r-ē 

wirier ˈwī-rē-ər  ; wiriest

1

: resembling wire in form and flexibility

wiry stems

2

: being slender yet strong and muscular

a wiry physique