toughie

noun

tough·ie | \ ˈtə-fē

variants: or less commonly toughy

plural toughies

Definition of toughie

: one that is tough: such as

a : a difficult problem or question

b : a loud rough rowdy person

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about toughie

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Examples of toughie in a Sentence

The last question on the test was a toughie. He thinks he's a real toughie.

Recent Examples on the Web

Extra time may be spent looking for that toughie that was present just a few days ago. — Taylor Piephoff, charlotteobserver, "Two area Christmas bird counts planned for this weekend | Charlotte Observer," 15 Dec. 2017 The surprises come from Rachel McAdams, who holds her own as a wise-cracking toughie, and PeÃ±a, who defrosts from macho pride mode with low-key grace. — Hugh Hart, WIRED, "Movies: In Theaters This Week (Oct. 31)," 29 Oct. 2008 Another cold-weather toughie is Alaska's red flat bark beetle, which, under lab conditions, can survive cooling down to minus 238 degrees Fahrenheit. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "A Frog That Freezes and Thaws, Plus More Ways Animals Cope With Cold," 10 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'toughie.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.