Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tacky

adjective (1)
\ ˈta-kē How to pronounce tacky (audio) \
tackier; tackiest

Definition of tacky

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: somewhat sticky to the touch tacky varnish also : characterized by tack : adhesive

tacky

adjective (2)
tackier; tackiest

Definition of tacky (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not having or exhibiting good taste: such as
a : marked by cheap showiness : gaudy a tacky publicity stunt a tacky outfit
b : marked by lack of style : dowdy
2a : characterized by lack of good breeding couldn't run around downtown … in a bikini, which was tacky— Cyra McFadden
b : shabby, seedy a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke— Bryce Nelson

First Known Use of tacky

Adjective (1)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for tacky

Adjective (1)

tack entry 2

Adjective (2)

tacky a low-class person

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about tacky

Dictionary Entries near tacky

tackweed

tack-weld

tack weld

tacky

tacky party

tacmahack

Tacna

Statistics for tacky

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for tacky

The first known use of tacky was in 1788

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on tacky

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tacky

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tacky

Spanish Central: Translation of tacky

Nglish: Translation of tacky for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tacky for Arabic Speakers

Comments on tacky

What made you want to look up tacky? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

hamartia

Listen to the pronounciation of hamartia

a flaw that causes the downfall of a hero

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. catamount Vermont enters the Round of 64

  2. mendacious, mendacity George Conway calls Trump a liar

  3. crawdad New novel makes waves

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games