funky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈfəŋ-kē 

funkier; funkiest

1

US : having an offensive odor : foul

a funky smell

2

music : having the style and feeling of older African American music (such as blues or gospel) or of funk

especially : characterized by rhythmic elements similar to those of funk

a funky beat

3

informal

a

: odd or quaint in appearance or feeling

a funky little restaurant

b

: unconventionally stylish : hip

funky clothes

… lighting gives the … shops and streets a funky prettiness …

—Pauline Kael

funkily adverb

funkiness noun

funky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: being in a funk : panicky

Examples of funky in a Sentence

Adjective (2)

a funky antique shop that reflects the owner's decidedly eccentric taste

a funky pair of old socks lying on the locker room floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But the key is to find jeans that are simple and classic in design, without reaching for trending silhouettes, funky washes, or overly distressed styles. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

This funky mountain outpost is more about the experience than just the meal. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Based on the funky yet wearable nature of Nike’s spring-like columns, early-2000s Shox styles were quickly embraced in the lifestyle space by non-runners. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025

Ulysse Nardin released an American exclusive of its Blast watch in a funky green dial. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

funk offensive odor

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for funky

• chunky
• hunky
• junkie
• monkey
• spunky

Kids Definition

funky

adjective

ˈfəŋ-kē

1

: having a bad smell

2

: down-to-earth in style and feeling

especially : having the style and feeling of funk

a funky beat

3

informal

a

: odd in appearance or feeling

b

: stylish in an untypical way : hip sense 1

funky clothes