frisky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of frisky
Explanation
The adjective frisky means playful or lively. Your frisky puppy likes to play tug-of-war with your socks, whether they're on or off your feet. Frisky is from the Middle English word frisk, which in turn was based on the Old French word frisque. In all cases, the words mean lively and merry. Frisky is often used to describe animals, but the term is also sometimes used as a mild euphemism for being playfully affectionate.
Vocabulary lists containing frisky
Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon
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"The Landlady" by Roald Dahl
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Unit 1, Words to Know
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If Broadway has scraped the barrel-bottom of A-list movies to adapt, at least it can mock them: “Titanique” is a frisky and funny spoof of the James Cameron juggernaut about that big ship that sank.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
High-end and low-end customers alike adored his frisky, unpredictable spirit — both on and off the runway.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
The S&P 500 is up a frisky 15% so far this year.
From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025
He also developed a substantial practice overseas, especially in China, where he designed buildings that managed to be both gargantuan and frisky.
From BBC • Sep. 29, 2025
"I'm too excited to eat. And I've got to keep fit and frisky for the big job ahead."
From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
