spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
: full of energy, animation, or courage
a spirited discussion
spiritedly adverb
spiritedness noun

Did you know?

You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".

Examples of spirited in a Sentence

The team put up a spirited defense. She's a very spirited young lady.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whether American retirees have enough savings and benefits to live comfortably in retirement is, however, a matter of spirited debate. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025 In a spirited bidding war, Netflix has landed an adaptation of The Secret of Secrets, from author Dan Brown and showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Jack Ryan, Locke and Key), with a series order. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 May 2025 Following a series of spirited performances in the finale, the votes were counted, and Fradiani was declared the winner. Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 The sketches are spirited and pithy, and the cousins have also produced some very funny video sketches to play during scene transitions. Lania Berger, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirited

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spirited was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spirited

adjective
spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ət-əd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
: full of courage or energy
a spirited discussion
spiritedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spirited

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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