cocky

adjective

ˈkä-kē 

cockier; cockiest

1

: boldly or brashly self-confident

a cocky young actor

he is invariably a smug and cocky stuffed shirt

—James Thurber

2

: jaunty

cockily

ˈkä-kə-lē 

adverb

cockiness

ˈkä-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cocky

• wise
• cocksure
• insolent
• sassy
• brazen
• impudent
• bold
• brash
• cheeky
• fresh
• brassy
• blunt
• defiant
• saucy
• assertive
• impertinent
• nervy
• audacious

Examples of cocky in a Sentence

Don't get too cocky about your chances of getting the job.

a cocky young actor who thought that he was God's gift to the theater

Recent Examples on the Web

The first book follows Hannah Wells (Bright), a smart and independent music major, and Garrett Graham (Cameli), the cocky captain of the hockey team. —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

His electric Broadway debut as a cocky, yet vulnerable know-it-all just edged Christopher Abbott for the Should prize. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026

In the show, shy Briar U music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and cocky team captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) begin fake-dating to try to catch the attention of Hannah’s crush. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 May 2026

In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cock entry 1

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cocky

• blocky
• chalky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• rocky
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

Kids Definition

cocky

adjective

ˈkäk-ē 

cockier; cockiest

1

: being too sure of oneself

2

: jaunty

cockily

ˈkäk-ə-lē 

adverb

cockiness

ˈkäk-ē-nəs 

noun