WordGarden.iochirpy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈɜːpi/
US
- /ˈtʃɜrpi/
Meanings
Adjective
cheerful and lively in manner or mood
making or resembling short high-pitched chirping sounds
Beyond the definition
Think of a little bird singing its heart out—that's chirpy! It describes someone who is cheerful, energetic, and speaks in a bright, enthusiastic way. A chirpy person can instantly lift your spirits. But it doesn't just apply to people; a chirpy tune, greeting, or radio voice can have that same buoyant feel. If you're feeling down, surrounding yourself with chirpy friends or music might be just what you need. It's often used to describe someone who stays upbeat, sometimes even in the face of difficulty.
The word chirpy evokes a sense of bright, lively energy, much like the sound of birdsong. While it literally refers to the cheerful chirping sounds made by birds, we use it to describe people (and things!) that radiate positivity and enthusiasm. A chirpy person is typically upbeat, talkative, and optimistic; they have a way of making others feel good just by being around them.
You might meet a chirpy server who greets you with a huge smile or hear a chirpy voice on the radio delivering the morning news. It can also describe something that is simply pleasant and cheerful—like "a chirpy melody" or "a chirpy spring morning." However, be aware that sometimes "chirpy" can carry a slight implication of being excessively cheerful, even to the point of seeming naive or slightly annoying to those in a more serious mood.
The word comes from chirp, an imitative word for the quick sounds birds make. It's all about bringing that bright, lively sound into our everyday descriptions! So next time you encounter someone brimming with energy and good spirits, remember the little bird and describe them as chirpy.
Examples
- 1
Morning mood
She was surprisingly chirpy first thing on Monday morning.
- Usage
common in British English, especially in informal speech
- 2
Travel delay
Even after the delayed flight, he sounded chirpy on the phone.
- 3
Before coffee
I'm usually not very chirpy before coffee.
- 4
Speaking style
The presenter uses such a chirpy voice that some listeners find it annoying.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- chirpyadjective