nervier; nerviest
1
archaic : sinewy, strong
2
a
: showing or expressive of calm courage : bold
b
: marked by effrontery or presumption : brash
3
nervily adverb
nerviness noun

Examples of nervy in a Sentence

a nervy performance in the play-offs a nervy film director who's not afraid to take risks The passengers were restless and nervy after the long flight. Too much coffee makes me nervy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Scott’s slick direction is sometimes at odds with a story that tries to capture the uglier aspects of spycraft, but Redford and Pitt’s raw, nervy performances anchor it. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 Goodman has a nervy start, with an errant pass out of play. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 An assortment of eccentric competitors and characters regale us with tips and their nervy inspiration at the Moosehead Regional Finals. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 Black Bag succeeds on its chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nervy

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nervy was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervy. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nervy

adjective
nervier; nerviest
1
a
: showing calm courage : fearless
b
: rudely bold
a nervy salesperson
2
nerviness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on nervy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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