sticky

adjective

ˈsti-kē 

stickier; stickiest

1

a

: adhesive

b(1)

: viscous, gluey

(2)

: coated with a sticky substance

2

: humid, muggy

also : clammy

3

: tending to stick

4

a

: disagreeable, unpleasant

came to a sticky end

b

: awkward, stiff

c

: difficult, problematic

a sticky situation

5

: excessively sentimental : cloying

stickily

ˈsti-kə-lē 

adverb

stickiness

ˈsti-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• adherent
• adhesive
• clingy
• gluey
• glutinous
• gummy
• tacky
• tenacious
• viscid

Examples of sticky in a Sentence

The sap is very sticky.

There is a sticky substance on the table.

The paint was still sticky.

The weather was hot and sticky.

Recent Examples on the Web

They are embedded in a sticky pulp that is greenish-brown. —Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024

The sections with sticky, sloppy mud and hog ruts threatened to take the shoes right off our feet. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024

Topline Core inflation climbed to a multi-month high as expected in October, according to data released Tuesday morning, as questions swirl about the sticky price increases for American consumer with the potential inflationary effects of the tariffs backed by President-elect Donald Trump ahead. —Derek Saul, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Use Pine-Sol to remove original artworks, plus sticky handprints by making a 1:4 solution of Pine-Sol and water and wiping down the walls with the mixture before wiping them off with water. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sticky

• sticky bun
• sticky fingers
• sticky note
• sticky-sweet
• sticky tape
• sticky wicket

Kids Definition

sticky

adjective

ˈstik-ē 

stickier; stickiest

1

a

: adhesive entry 1, gluey

sticky syrup

b

: coated with a sticky substance

the tabletop was sticky

2

: muggy, humid

a hot sticky day

3

: tending to stick

sticky windows

stickily

ˈstik-ə-lē 

adverb

stickiness

ˈstik-ē-nəs 

noun