frisky

adjective

ˈfri-skē 

friskier; friskiest

: inclined to frisk : playful

frisky puppies

also : lively

a frisky performance

friskily

ˈfri-skə-lē 

adverb

friskiness

ˈfri-skē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of frisky

• playful

Examples of frisky in a Sentence

The kids were frisky after all that candy.

a frisky kid who keeps the class in stitches with his jokes

Recent Examples on the Web

The songs are bursts of frisky jazz sax that circle around a sound that carries elements of rock music and other styles. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

If your palate isn’t feeling frisky, Cathay Pacific also offers a variety of Western and Asian dishes. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 4-0 by holding off a frisky Las Vegas Raiders team, which entered their divisional matchup undefeated themselves. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

As the band turns one of Wonder’s ever-climbing chord progressions into a frisky funk jam, his vocals cut loose more with every chorus. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frisky

• risky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

frisky

adjective

ˈfris-kē 

friskier; friskiest

: tending to frisk : playful

frisky puppies

also : lively

a frisky performance

friskily

-kə-lē 

adverb

friskiness

-kē-nəs 

noun