plucky

adjective

ˈplə-kē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: spirited, brave

pluckily

ˈplə-kə-lē 

adverb

pluckiness

ˈplə-kē-nəs 

noun

Examples of plucky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This was 1979, when Sonny was combing greater Seattle for prospects as a plucky young head coach at Montana State. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

While Michael King struggled to finish off finicky and plucky Diamondbacks hitters, the real issue and the real worry was on the other side of the ball. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

As Fignon, four-time winner Bernard Hinault and LeMond fought for the overall General Classification minutes behind, the plucky Barteau gallantly, though hopelessly, defended his lead, allowing Fignon to preserve his efforts. — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

And although Etna’s narrative voice—vulnerable, curious, endearingly direct—inclines the reader to envision the pluckiest good boy, humanity’s violence deprives him of a gentle youth. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for plucky

• bucky
• lucky
• mucky
• unlucky

Kids Definition

plucky

adjective

ˈplək-ē 

pluckier; pluckiest

: courageous, brave