funkier; funkiest
1
US : having an offensive odor : foul
a funky smell
2
music : having the style and feeling of older African American music (such as blues or gospel) or of funk
especially : characterized by rhythmic elements similar to those of funk
a funky beat
3
informal
a
: odd or quaint in appearance or feeling
a funky little restaurant
b
: unconventionally stylish : hip
funky clothes
… lighting gives the … shops and streets a funky prettiness …Pauline Kael
funkily adverb
funkiness noun

funky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: being in a funk : panicky

Examples of funky in a Sentence

Adjective (2) a funky antique shop that reflects the owner's decidedly eccentric taste a funky pair of old socks lying on the locker room floor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This was specifically designed for Smith & Cross, the 114-proof, funky Jamaican rum, and that’s good advice. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025 Like all good bistros, this one serves a roast chicken as burnished as a penny, uncharacteristically earthy and sweet thanks to the funky, flavor-intensifying power of koji. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 Katie Holmes wore an even funkier take on the style last fall, and Naomi Watts broke out a pair during a date night of her own just last month. Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The singer-songwriter blends her fierce and trusty violin with R&B, disco, soul, hip-hop, and house music, making something that feels funky, urgent, and infectious. Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for funky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

funk offensive odor

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of funky was circa 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Funky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funky. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

funky

adjective
ˈfəŋ-kē
1
: having a bad smell
2
: down-to-earth in style and feeling
especially : having the style and feeling of funk
a funky beat
3
informal
a
: odd in appearance or feeling
b
: stylish in an untypical way : hip sense 1
funky clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on funky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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