1
: being in a state of readiness to brood eggs that is characterized by cessation of laying and by marked changes in behavior and physiology
a broody hen
2
: given or conducive to introspection : contemplative, moody
broodiness
noun
Examples of broody in a Sentence
a movie with a dark and broody atmosphere
he spent a long, broody weekend trying to figure out where his relationship with his girlfriend was headed
Recent Examples on the Web
The result was a mash-up of Ralph Lauren signatures that felt broodier, a little more bohemian, and, in that, perhaps a touch more eclectic.
—
Nick Remsen, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Misfit is a patchouli-amber number that feels broodier and sophisticated, yet manages to wear light enough year-round.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2023
Prosecco, perfect in an Aperol Spritz, just adds too much enthusiasm to what is a broodier drink.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2023
And she's torn between two love interests, a pair of basically interchangeable broody white boys, à la Felicity.
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 21 Nov. 2022
Lautner starred as Jacob in all four movies alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who played Bella Swan and her broody vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen, respectively.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2022
One of the latest YA entries, Netflix's adaptation of Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride, centers a food fight at a summer BBQ as a key part of Auden's (Emma Pasarow) coming-of-age and her central romance with broody BMX biker, Eli (Belmont Camelli).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 June 2022
It's filled with hilarious banter, quirky community, and a romantic connection between an exuberant lawyer and a broody ex-Marine that is both incredibly sweet and scorching hot.
—Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2022
In his English-language debut, Carax centres on Henry (Driver), a broody stand-up comedian, and Ann (Cotillard), a world-famous opera singer, who fall in love and have a daughter named Annette.
—Natalie Morin, refinery29.com, 20 Apr. 2021
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Nick Remsen, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Misfit is a patchouli-amber number that feels broodier and sophisticated, yet manages to wear light enough year-round.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2023
Prosecco, perfect in an Aperol Spritz, just adds too much enthusiasm to what is a broodier drink.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2023
And she's torn between two love interests, a pair of basically interchangeable broody white boys, à la Felicity.
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 21 Nov. 2022
Lautner starred as Jacob in all four movies alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who played Bella Swan and her broody vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen, respectively.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2022
One of the latest YA entries, Netflix's adaptation of Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride, centers a food fight at a summer BBQ as a key part of Auden's (Emma Pasarow) coming-of-age and her central romance with broody BMX biker, Eli (Belmont Camelli).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 June 2022
It's filled with hilarious banter, quirky community, and a romantic connection between an exuberant lawyer and a broody ex-Marine that is both incredibly sweet and scorching hot.
—Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2022
In his English-language debut, Carax centres on Henry (Driver), a broody stand-up comedian, and Ann (Cotillard), a world-famous opera singer, who fall in love and have a daughter named Annette.
—Natalie Morin, refinery29.com, 20 Apr. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Broody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broody. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
broody
adjective
: being in a condition to brood eggs
a broody hen
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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