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
Synonyms
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
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
Set in London, the story finds the ordinary, likable Louise having an affair with her broody psychiatrist boss, David.
—Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2021
See More
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
Set in London, the story finds the ordinary, likable Louise having an affair with her broody psychiatrist boss, David.
—Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broody.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near broody
Cite this Entry
“Broody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broody. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
broody
adjective
: being in a condition to brood eggs
a broody hen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share