edgy

adjective

ˈe-jē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

a

: being on edge : tense, irritable

b

: characterized by tension

edgy negotiations

3

: having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

an edgy film

edgily

ˈe-jə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈe-jē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• troubled
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of edgy in a Sentence

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

Their relationship has always been edgy.

one of the director's edgier films

Recent Examples on the Web

Right at the nape of her neck, Ora's hair makes a dramatic shift to wispy brown curls—a fun twist on an already free-spirited and edgy style. —Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

And with upcoming holiday parties, a pair of faux leather pants instantly makes your outfit more elegant and edgy. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

These edgy moto boots from Dr. Scholl’s, usually $130, are less than $80 right now, and these typically $129 Kenneth Cole boots are just $50. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024

Young people tend to favor political personalities perceived as edgy, rebellious and countercultural. —Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edgy

adjective

ˈej-ē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

: tense entry 2 sense 2, irritable

spoke with an edgy tone

edgily

ˈej-ə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈej-ē-nəs 

noun