First Known Use: 1744
Dictionary
1sulky
adjective \ˈsəl-kē\
: angry or upset about something and refusing to discuss it with others
: often quiet and angry or upset
sulk·i·ersulk·i·est
Full Definition of SULKY
1
a : sulking or given to spells of sulking b : relating to or indicating a sulk <a sulky expression>
2
[2sulky] : having wheels and usually a seat for the driver <a sulky plow>
— sulk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
— sulk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun
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Origin of SULKY
probably alteration of obsolete sulke sluggish
Synonym Discussion of SULKY
sullen, glum, morose, surly, sulky, crabbed, saturnine, gloomy mean showing a forbidding or disagreeable mood. sullen implies a silent ill humor and a refusal to be sociable <remained sullen amid the festivities>. glum suggests a silent dispiritedness <a glum candidate left to ponder a stunning defeat>. morose adds to glum an element of bitterness or misanthropy <morose job seekers who are inured to rejection>. surly implies gruffness and sullenness of speech or manner <a typical surly teenager>. sulky suggests childish resentment expressed in peevish sullenness <grew sulky after every spat>. crabbed applies to a forbidding morose harshness of manner <the school's notoriously crabbed headmaster>. saturnine describes a heavy forbidding aspect or suggests a bitter disposition <a saturnine cynic always finding fault>. gloomy implies a depression in mood making for seeming sullenness or glumness <a gloomy mood ushered in by bad news>.
2sulky
noun
plural sulkies
Definition of SULKY
: a light 2-wheeled vehicle (as for harness racing) having a seat for the driver only and usually no body
Origin of SULKY
probably from 1sulky; from its having room for only one person
First Known Use: 1756
SULKINESS Defined for Kids
1sulky
adjective \ˈsəl-kē\
sulk·i·ersulk·i·est
Definition of SULKY for Kids
1
: angry or upset by something but refusing to discuss it
2
: often angry or upset
2sulky
noun
plural sulk·ies
Definition of SULKY for Kids
: a light vehicle with two wheels, a seat for the driver only, and usually no body
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