edgy

adjective

ˈe-jē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

a

: being on edge : tense, irritable

b

: characterized by tension

edgy negotiations

3

: having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

an edgy film

edgily

ˈe-jə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈe-jē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• troubled
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of edgy in a Sentence

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

Their relationship has always been edgy.

one of the director's edgier films

Recent Examples on the Web

Tyla Tyla put an edgy spin on double denim in a halter top and distressed low-rise shorts. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 12 Aug. 2024

No Boundaries’ edgy take on the classic shoe features a chunky sole and a T-strap wrapped up in an Oxford silhouette that’s easy to style. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

Lately though, the street style scene has deemed the edgy moto the ideal late-summer, early-fall footwear option, sporting them with everything from mini shorts to flowy poplin skirts. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024

These colognes carry an edgy, devil-may-care attitude, and despite their playful connotations, the fragrance world takes liquor accords seriously. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edgy

adjective

ˈej-ē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

: tense entry 2 sense 2, irritable

spoke with an edgy tone

edgily

ˈej-ə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈej-ē-nəs 

noun