wiry

adjective

ˈwī(-ə)r-ē 

wirier ˈwī-rē-ər  ; wiriest

1

a

archaic : made of wire

b

: resembling wire especially in form and flexibility

the wiry coat of the schnauzer

wiry stems

c

of sound : produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire

The violist … often let his tone go nasal and wiry.

—D. J. Henahan

2

: being lean, supple, and vigorous : sinewy

… the wiry figure of a long distance runner.

—Phoenix Flame

wirily

ˈwī-rə-lē 

adverb

wiriness

ˈwī-rē-nəs 

noun

Examples of wiry in a Sentence

a man with long, wiry arms

She was lean and wiry from years of working out.

He has dark, wiry hair.

Recent Examples on the Web

Flowers bloom late spring to early summer atop wiry, branched, nearly leafless stems rising to 24 inches tall above an 18-inch-tall clump of deep green leaves. —Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026

What few questions remain about Wembanyama, and in essence, the viability of the Spurs, include the ability of his wiry frame to endure the longevity and friction of an earnest playoff series. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026

Two sixth-grade boys appeared, one tall and floppy-haired, the other wiry and blond. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Four wiry legs fold outward to deliver low, stable support, packing right up against the main body to fit neatly in a backpack compartment, bike pannier or kayak hatch. —C.c. Weiss may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wiry

• kyrie
• expiry
• inquiry

Kids Definition

wiry

adjective

ˈwī(ə)r-ē 

wirier ˈwī-rē-ər  ; wiriest

1

: resembling wire in form and flexibility

wiry stems

2

: being slender yet strong and muscular

a wiry physique