peevish

[pee-vish]

adjective

1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent.

   a peevish youngster.

   Synonyms: snappish, irritable, petulant

2. showing annoyance, irritation, or bad mood.

   a peevish reply; a peevish frown.

3. perverse or obstinate.

peevish

/ ˈpiːvɪʃ /

adjective

1. fretful or irritable

   a peevish child

2. obsolete,  perverse

Other Word Forms

• peevishness noun
• peevishly adverb
• unpeevish adjective
• unpeevishly adverb
• unpeevishness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of peevish¹

1350–1400; Middle English pevysh of unknown origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of peevish¹

C14: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See cross.

Example Sentences

Thousands of people — displaced by disaster, their past lives gone up in smoke — are hostage to the whims of a peevish president who always puts his feelings first and cares nothing for the greater good.

From Los Angeles Times

“He looks startled,” Reed said of the president’s peevish performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when he was trying to sound upbeat, the river of resentment would burble up in his mannerisms and his peevish voice.

From Salon

Placing his Howard in a pen with Short's jumpy, cheerfully peevish Oliver is perfect.

From Salon

“He was all peevish that you always take the car because of your, what did he say? Oh yeah, selfish nature.”

From Literature