gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

1

: marked by courage, pluck, or determination

a gutsy little fighter

a gutsy decision

2

a

: expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions

gutsy macho talk

gutsy country blues

b

: rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated

a gutsy soup

gutsily

ˈgət-sə-lē 

adverb

gutsiness noun

Synonyms

• adventuresome
• adventurous
• audacious
• bold
• daring
• dashing
• emboldened
• enterprising
• free-swinging
• hardy
• nerved
• nervy
• venturesome
• venturous

Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

That was a very gutsy decision.

a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court

Recent Examples on the Web

The team pulled off a gutsy overtime win over Germany to avoid the relegation game. —Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

This is the story of how two Washington Post reporters broke the Watergate scandal — in all its dramatic, gutsy glory. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

But her gutsiest move may have been sharing herself. —David Morgan, CBS News, 29 Nov. 2024

But Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin made a gutsy call in Week 7, benching Fields and going with the 13-year veteran, despite questions from many. —Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

: aggressively tough : courageous

a gutsy decision

a gutsy hockey player

gutsiness noun