messy

adjective

ˈme-sē 

messier; messiest

1

: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy

a messy room

2

: lacking neatness or precision : careless, slovenly

messy thinking

3

: extremely unpleasant or trying

messy lawsuits

a messy divorce

messily

ˈme-sə-lē 

adverb

messiness

ˈme-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• chaotic
• sloppy
• cluttered
• confused
• jumbled
• littered
• filthy

Examples of messy in a Sentence

Painting a room can be messy work.

Some kinds of glue are messier than others.

a delicious but messy sandwich

Recent Examples on the Web

Food and Water Bowls This dishwasher safe food and water bowl set comes with a detachable, non-slip silicone mat for messy eaters. —Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 11 July 2025

The dramatic beats of Jessica and Felix’s messy courtship land effectively, and Stalter and Sharpe have strong chemistry. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025

Jess and Felix, by contrast, are real, funny, messy, horny, flawed people. —Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025

Until 2003, when — another long story short — school politics got messy, and Tom Holliday’s contract was not renewed. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for messy

• bessy
• cressy
• dressy
• jesse

Kids Definition

messy

adjective

ˈmes-ē 

messier; messiest

1

: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy

2

: extremely unpleasant or trying

messy lawsuits

messily

ˈmes-ə-lē 

adverb

messiness

ˈmes-ē-nəs 

noun