WordGarden.iospiky
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈaɪki/
US
- /ˈspaɪki/
Meanings
Adjective
having spikes, sharp points, or abrupt pointed peaks
(informal)prickly, irritable, or abruptly hostile in manner
Beyond the definition
Think of a sea urchin, a cactus, or a porcupine. This word describes something covered in sharp points. It is mostly used for physical things, but not only for them. A conversation can feel spiky if it is tense and full of sharp remarks. You might also describe someone's personality this way if they seem defensive or quick to react, like a hedgehog curling into a ball.
The word often suggests something that might hurt or feel uncomfortable to touch, but it can also simply describe a bold look. A spiky hairstyle, for example, stands up in sharp points and draws attention. The context tells you whether the word suggests danger, tension, or just a noticeable shape or texture.
"Spiky" describes anything that has many sharp points sticking outward. It often makes us think of something that could prick, scratch, or feel unpleasant to touch. A cactus, a chestnut shell, or the back of a porcupine can all be described this way. It can also describe shapes that rise in narrow points, such as some hairstyles or a skyline with many sharp towers.
But "spiky" is not limited to physical objects. We also use it in a metaphorical way for situations, speech, or personalities that feel sharp rather than smooth or warm. A spiky conversation or spiky relationship may be full of tension, arguments, or remarks that sting. A spiky personality suggests someone who is guarded, touchy, or quick to push back.
The word can also describe visual patterns. A spiky hairstyle is not painful, but it is easy to notice because the hair stands up in points. Even abstract things can be described this way. A spiky graph has sudden peaks, showing sharp changes rather than a smooth pattern.
So whether you are talking about a plant, a hairstyle, a tense exchange, or a line on a graph, "spiky" carries the idea of points, sharpness, and a lack of smoothness. Sometimes that sharpness is physical, and sometimes it is emotional or visual, but the core feeling stays much the same.
Examples
- 1
Hairstyle
He gelled his hair into a short, spiky style.
- 2
Plants
Be careful with that plant; its leaves are stiff and spiky.
- 3
Personal reaction
He is friendly most of the time, but he can get spiky when people criticize his work.
- 4
Interview tone
The interview turned spiky when the reporter asked about the missing money.
- Phraseturned spiky
became tense and slightly hostile
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Uneven results
Sales have been spiky this year, with a few strong weeks and then long quiet periods.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spikyadjective
Forms
- spikiercomparativeadjective
- spikiestsuperlativeadjective