funkier; funkiest
Synonyms of funkynext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Eventually, amid depth-charge bass blasts and Spikeheart’s death-metal growls, a beat assembles itself, at first vaguely trap-like, then closer in spirit to UK funky. Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026 The two sets will showcase their versatility across genres such as punky alternative, funky rock ‘n’ roll, garage-y psych-rock and spacey prog. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026 Bishop Feehan’s Aviva Olitzky (nine saves) also stood out for South, though Methuen/Tewksbury forward Ella Duffy squeezed a goal just inside the post before a funky deflection helped Arlington Catholic’s Kailyn French give North a 2-0 lead in the second. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, Waterloo Records’ spacious new store, a short walk up Lamar Boulevard from the crowded old one, boasted a larger stage, a café-bar with funky old speakers and artwork celebrating the city’s iconic music spots. Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for funky

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of funky was circa 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Funky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funky. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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

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