cocky

1
[ kok-ee ]
See synonyms for: cockycockiercockiestcockiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,cock·i·er, cock·i·est.
  1. arrogant; pertly self-assertive; conceited; He walked in with a cocky air.

Origin of cocky

1
First recorded in 1540–50; cock1 + -y1

Other words from cocky

  • cock·i·ly, adverb
  • cock·i·ness, noun

Words Nearby cocky

Other definitions for cocky (2 of 3)

cocky2
[ kok-ee ]

noun,plural cock·ies.

Origin of cocky

2
First recorded in 1830–40; cock(atoo), cock(atiel) + -y2

Other definitions for cocky (3 of 3)

cocky3
[ kok-ee ]

verb (used without object),cock·ied, cock·y·ing.Newfoundland.

Origin of cocky

3
Apparently a playful alteration, by association with cocky1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cocky in a sentence

  • Peter and Prince were the dearest dogs, and cocky was a parrot that could say the most amusing things.

    Greyfriars Bobby | Eleanor Atkinson
  • I got to know of this affair through Robbins' backing up of cocky, and telling Urquhart that nobody was afraid of him.

  • cocky,” he said bravely, without a quiver of fear or flight, when Michael had charged upon him at sight to destroy him.

  • So Kwaque remained in the two rooms, cooking and housekeeping for his master and caring for Michael and cocky.

British Dictionary definitions for cocky (1 of 2)

cocky1

/ (ˈkɒkɪ) /


adjectivecockier or cockiest
  1. excessively proud of oneself

Derived forms of cocky

  • cockily, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for cocky (2 of 2)

cocky2

/ (ˈkɒkɪ) /


nounplural cockies Australian informal
  1. a farmer whose farm is regarded as small or of little account

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