spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ə-təd 
: 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
Decorated by spirited book group Ranchi Readers, the tree features a collection of eight unopened Labubus alongside six or seven other Labubus nestled among twinkling lights and ornaments.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
The work begins with a triumphant clip, followed by an Andante where the four soloists engage in light back-and-forth before the piece concludes with high-spirited virtuosity.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
David, who's the son of the iconic American brand's founder Ralph Lauren, gave a glimpse into the creation of the uniforms and shared several sweet, spirited secrets that are behind each of the looks in the collection.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
The popular Oogie Boogie Bash—A Disney Halloween Party will return for spirited spooky fun in Disney California Adventure Park, and for more nights than ever.
—Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
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News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
The work begins with a triumphant clip, followed by an Andante where the four soloists engage in light back-and-forth before the piece concludes with high-spirited virtuosity.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
David, who's the son of the iconic American brand's founder Ralph Lauren, gave a glimpse into the creation of the uniforms and shared several sweet, spirited secrets that are behind each of the looks in the collection.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
The popular Oogie Boogie Bash—A Disney Halloween Party will return for spirited spooky fun in Disney California Adventure Park, and for more nights than ever.
—Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ət-əd
: full of courage or energy
a spirited discussion
spiritedly
adverb
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