stickier; stickiest
1
a
b(1)
(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
c
: difficult, problematic
a sticky situation
5
: excessively sentimental : cloying
stickily adverb
stickiness noun

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
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.
For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025 Despite skyrocketing prices for TV rights from name-brand sports leagues, even smaller streaming services know their future will be driven in part by that particularly sticky tune-in driver for audiences. David Bloom, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Bruce led a quick run-through of a sticky part, then the whole band played through the first couple of verses, getting the rhythm back into their bones before finally trying a fresh take. Peter Ames Carlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025 The metro’s brief escape from summer’s grip will be short-lived, as punishing heat and sticky humidity are set to stage a comeback in Kansas City. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sticky

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticky was in 1688

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Cite this Entry

“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

sticky

adjective
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 adverb
stickiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sticky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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