piquancy

noun

pi·​quan·​cy ˈpē-kən(t)-sē How to pronounce piquancy (audio)
ˈpi-kwən(t)-
: the quality or state of being piquant

Examples of piquancy in a Sentence

a talk show host known for the quickness and piquancy of his wit I appreciated the piquancy of the peppers in the sauce.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024 While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024 But there’s a special spice, a special piquancy, to our Reacherism right now. James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2024 Tender chunks of pork shoulder are braised in an aromatic broth of onions, garlic, serrano chiles and, most notably, green Hatch chiles, which cut through the rich stew with their distinctive piquancy. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for piquancy 

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of piquancy was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near piquancy

Cite this Entry

“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piquancy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

piquancy

noun
pi·​quan·​cy ˈpē-kən-sē How to pronounce piquancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being piquant
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