Quick answer
Peevish means easily irritated, annoyable, or bad-tempered in a petty way. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Peevish
Peevish means easily irritated, annoyable, or bad-tempered in a petty way. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
moodtemperbehavior
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, peevish refers to easily irritated, annoyable, or bad-tempered in a petty way. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Peevish feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Peevish is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Peevish is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as peevish.
- In the novel, one peevish is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used peevish in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain peevish before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating peevish because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use peevish when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
alack, alas, arrant, avaunt, bawd
Opposite or contrasting words
plain speech, everyday wording, straightforward language
Common questions
- What does peevish mean? easily irritated, annoyable, or bad-tempered in a petty way.
- How do you pronounce peevish? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is peevish still used today? Peevish is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use peevish? Use peevish when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to peevish? Similar words include alack, alas, arrant, and avaunt.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.