punchy

adjective \ ˈpən-chē \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of punchy

punchier; punchiest

1 a : having punch : forceful, spirited

b : vivid, vibrant

punchy video graphics

2 : punch-drunk 2

See punchy defined for English-language learners

Examples of punchy in a Sentence

shrimp in a punchy sauce
She was punchy with fatigue.

Recent Examples of punchy from the Web

Factor in Paul George, Steven Adams, Carmelo Anthony, and a punchy cast of reserves, and the Thunder have the personnel necessary to mount a challenge to any team in the field.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "NBA Playoffs: The Most Intriguing Storylines in the Western Conference," 12 Apr. 2018
With the two-minute time constraint, comics who delivered short, punchy sets with faster set-up/punchline combinations (rather than scene-building, characters, or story-telling) earned the most laughs.

— zach freeman, chicagotribune.com, "Zanies Chicago packs in the good, the bad and a lot of history in '40 Comics in 1 Night'," 10 Apr. 2018
Up until Isle of Dogs, Anderson’s oeuvre had been characterized by punchy writing and crisply articulated delivery.

— nina li coomes, The Atlantic, "Unpacking the Fictional Japan of Isle of Dogs," 31 Mar. 2018
While those pepitas toast and the salmon cooks, use the time to make a really bright, punchy miso mojo.

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "This Sheet Pan Salmon Recipe Is Everything We Crave in a Weeknight Dinner," 16 Mar. 2018
Amid florals and stripes, a stylized block-print pattern in punchy orange enlivens the pillows.

— marni elyse katz, BostonGlobe.com, "Redesigning a vacation home for family gatherings and the retirement years," 30 Mar. 2018
For something punchier, try the refreshing Tour Through Khari, made with mezcal, turmeric, and curry leaves.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "The Expedition-Inspired Cocktails of Banzarbar," 24 Mar. 2018
The ballroom was strung with punchy paper lanterns and the bars were covered in the same tiki-style palm fronds as seen in the show.

— maria ward, Vogue, "The Jimmy Buffett Musical Escape to Margaritaville Makes Its Big, Boozy Broadway Debut," 16 Mar. 2018
Listeners know the band for its labyrinthine rhythms, punchy riffs, and lead singer Courtney Swain’s electrifying, elastic wail.

— zoë madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Music that doesn’t satisfy the A.I.’ at Stave Sessions," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'punchy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of punchy

1907

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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at sea, out of it;

PUNCHY Defined for English Language Learners

punchy

adjective

Definition of punchy for English Language Learners

: very exciting or lively

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