adj

wiry

WEYE-ree

adj

Lean and muscular, with visible strength rather than bulk.

"The marathon runner had a wiry build that seemed built for endurance."

"Despite his wiry frame, he could lift far more than expected."

Resembling wire in texture, especially stiff or springy hair or fur.

"The terrier had a coarse, wiry coat that needed regular brushing."

"His wiry gray hair stuck out in every direction."

How to Use Wiry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThin but tough — used for lean, strong bodies or for stiff, springy hair or fur.

Common pairings

wiry build wiry hair wiry frame

wirier comparative, wiriest superlative

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The marathon runner had a _____ build that seemed built for endurance.

Formed from wire plus the suffix -y, describing something with the texture or leanness of wire.

airy dairy fairy hairy expiry inquiry