kinky

adjective

ˈkiŋ-kē 

kinkier; kinkiest

1

: closely twisted or curled

2

: relating to, having, or appealing to unconventional tastes especially in sex

also : sexually deviant

3

: outlandish, far-out

kinkily

ˈkiŋ-kə-lē 

adverb

kinkiness

ˈkiŋ-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• bizarre
• strange
• weird
• funny
• curious
• odd
• peculiar
• erratic
• crazy
• eccentric
• remarkable
• unusual

Examples of kinky in a Sentence

She says her boyfriend is a little kinky.

while passing through the airport, don't wear any kinky clothing that is likely to pique the interest of security

Recent Examples on the Web

Some surveys suggest that Gen Z is kinkier than older people, and particularly open to polyamory. —Molly Langmuir, The Atlantic, 25 Sep. 2025

While that’s kinky, that’s not the exciting part: Miles is Celine’s husband. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025

Curly-haired individuals, especially those with kinkier textures, know the number one rule of wash day: detangle before shampooing. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 21 Aug. 2025

The brand has a stellar reputation for offering a hydrated lineup of products made with coily, curly, and kinky textures in mind—and this scalp scrub is no different. —Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kinky

• dinky
• inky
• pinkie
• pinky
• slinky
• stinky

Kids Definition

kinky

adjective

ˈkiŋ-kē 

kinkier; kinkiest

1

: tightly twisted or curled

2

: very strange or odd

kinkiness noun