punky

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ˈpəŋ-kē 

punkier; punkiest

: resembling punk in being soft or rotted

punkiness noun

punky

2 of 3

adjective (2)

: resembling or typical of a punk

punky

3 of 3

noun

pun·​ky

less common spelling of punkie

: biting midge

Examples of punky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Things are suddenly different, starting at work, where the gallery director confesses to noticing him for the first time and a punky feminist artist requests his involvement in her upcoming show. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Zoë Kravitz and Kristen Stewart have picked up the trend and run with it, and the look is a combo of one part punky to all parts pretty. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Even Rodrigo’s backing band, full of absolutely shredding women instrumentalists, played beside her on equal footing for exquisitely tasteful, post-punky revisions of songs across her three albums. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Lead singer and guitarist Marisa Dabice blazed through 10 punky tracks, which, given her strong voice and hooky songwriting, surely converted some early arrivals. — William Earl, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

punk entry 3

Adjective (2)

punk entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1803, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for punky

• chunky
• funky
• hunky
• junkie
• monkey
• spunky