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

Their performance is characteristically edgy and wildly daring, while retaining a propulsive sense of swing that nods to Ra’s early big-band days. —George Varga, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024

Slouchy jeans that are also distressed definitely give off an edgier vibe and can help add texture to your ‘fit. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Dec. 2024

Among his followers, the action against Raw Farm by California public-health officials can only add to raw milk’s edgy appeal. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024

The presence of The Rock—an exception to the family friendly rule—and WrestleMania season will likely give way to more edgy storylines. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 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