touchier; touchiest
1
: marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation
he's a little touchy about his past
2
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment
a touchy subject
3
a
of a body part : acutely sensitive or irritable
b
of a chemical : highly explosive or inflammable
touchily adverb
touchiness noun

Examples of touchy in a Sentence

Don't be so touchy. I was just kidding. watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Longtime etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore weighs in on the touchy subject. Emily Strohm, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024 Offer Access To Expert Advisors And Tools Credit can be a touchy subject with customers. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 The song itself is lyrically complex and clear-sighted in its treatment of the touchy subject of addiction. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 11 Sep. 2024 Jurors could be asked their views about former drug users Another touchy subject area deals with feelings toward people addicted to drugs or alcohol. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for touchy 

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touchy was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near touchy

Cite this Entry

“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

touchy

adjective
touchier; touchiest
1
: easily hurt or insulted
2
: calling for tact or careful handling
a touchy subject

More from Merriam-Webster on touchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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