plucky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈplə-kē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: spirited, brave

pluckily

ˈplə-kə-lē 

adverb

pluckiness

ˈplə-kē-nəs 

noun

pluckiness

2 of 2

noun

pluck·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being plucky

Examples of plucky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Among the newspaper’s alums was Mildred Wirt Benson, better known to legions of Nancy Drew fans as Carolyn Keene, the original author of the mystery books featuring the plucky amateur detective. — Kate Brumback, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

In the book’s first movements, our plucky, brilliant guide through the world of Black mega-church runs on acidic observations, wit, and drolly spouted trivia. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Even after a catastrophic 2023 heatwave set off the worst coral bleaching event in state history, some plucky polyps clung to life. — Nicolás Rivero, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Save the Last Dance stars Stiles as Sara Johnson, a plucky 17-year-old from the suburbs of Chicago chasing dance dreams that seem increasingly unstable after her mother is killed, forcing her to relocate to the city’s gritty South Side. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for plucky

• bucky
• lucky
• mucky
• unlucky

Kids Definition

plucky

adjective

ˈplək-ē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: courageous, brave