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Synonyms

grouchy

1 American  
[grou-chee] / ˈgraʊ tʃi /

adjective

grouchier, grouchiest
  1. sullenly discontented; sulky; morose; ill-tempered.


Grouchy 2 American  
[groo-shee] / gruˈʃi /

noun

  1. Emmanuel Marquis de, 1766–1847, French general.


ˈgrouchy British  
/ ˈɡraʊtʃɪ /

adjective

  1. informal bad-tempered; tending to complain; peevish

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • grouchily adverb
  • grouchiness noun

Etymology

Origin of grouchy

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; grouch + -y 1

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.

He looked grouchy, and didn’t even say “Good morning” to any of us.

From Literature

More forms and records gathered sooner means fewer terse emails from your grouchy accountant — and less time waiting for your refund.

From MarketWatch

"And I turn grouchy. I snarl at everyone."

From Literature

He had a habit of making grouchy, riddling remarks, but he had also shown himself to be a friend to Penelope and the children, at least when he chose to be.

From Literature

The heroine is a grouchy, 73-year-old retired lawyer at odds with her daughter and her garden club.

From The Wall Street Journal