grumpy

adjective

ˈgrəm-pē 

grumpier; grumpiest

: easily and often annoyed or angered : surly

grumpily

ˈgrəm-pə-lē 

adverb

grumpiness

ˈgrəm-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of grumpy

• irritable

Examples of grumpy in a Sentence

Our neighbor is a grumpy old man.

I was feeling grumpy after my long flight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ask to see the set that still remains—just watch out for the grumpy resident dog, who is best admired from afar. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Breakfast with the Grinch brings the belovedly grumpy character to the table for waffle stations, cookie decorating and plenty of festive photo ops. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2026

Fear not, as the country has finally introduced a rulebook for leasing grumpy, humpy dromedaries. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

And the younger bears are giving him plenty of reasons to be grumpy. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grumpy

• bumpy
• dumpy
• jumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy