hammy

adjective

ham·​my ˈha-mē How to pronounce hammy (audio)
hammier; hammiest
Synonyms of hammynext
: marked by exaggerated and usually self-conscious theatricality
hammily adverb
hamminess noun

Examples of hammy in a Sentence

a hammy singer whose overwrought renditions of love songs just beg listeners to cry
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 pedigree of the studio also shows in some of the vocal talent involved, which includes a hammy Michael Sheen as a scheming hotel owner and Brian Cox as Lorcan and Charlie’s kindly grandfather. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 1 May 2026 While the harp tends to invite a high literariness (Joanna Newsom being the most obvious example), Davis’ lyrics are very hammy, though that doesn’t feel like a failure so much as a deliberate flattening out of expression. Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 Toasty, cheesy, hammy—they're a true Southern delight. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Keep those rosary beads handy whenever Aaron Gordon grabs his hammy. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hammy

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammy was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammy. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster