fussy

adjective

ˈfə-sē 

fussier; fussiest

1

: easily upset : irritable

2

: overly decorative

a fussy wallpaper pattern

3

a

: requiring or giving close attention to details

fussy bookkeeping procedures

b

: revealing a sometimes extreme concern for niceties : fastidious, picky

fussily

ˈfə-sə-lē 

adverb

fussiness

ˈfə-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• crabby
• cranky
• grouchy
• grumpy
• querulous

Examples of fussy in a Sentence

I'm not fussy about where we eat.

The room was cluttered and fussy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like most of Julia's recipes, the flavors are rich and balanced without any fussy ingredients or special tools. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

And Mitchell is perfectly cast in a role seemingly built to suit his usual fussy, pedantic schtick. —Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025

Some fussy aesthetic choices and occasionally overwrought camerawork (cinematography is by Miguel I. Litten-Menz) feel misaligned for the story, taking us out when we should be drawn in. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025

These help offer enrichment and help keep fussy babies calm. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Rhymes for fussy

• bussy
• disci
• hussy
• prosy

Kids Definition

fussy

adjective

ˈfəs-ē 

fussier; fussiest

1

: inclined to complain or whine

a fussy child

2

a

: needing or giving much attention to details

a fussy job

b

: hard to please

fussy about food

fussily

ˈfəs-ə-lē 

adverb

fussiness

ˈfəs-ē-nəs 

noun