sticky

adjective

ˈsti-kē

stickier; stickiest

Synonyms of sticky

: adhesive

a sticky material

b(1)

: viscous, gluey

sticky syrup

(2)

: coated with a sticky substance

sticky little fingers

… it must have been just repainted, it looked so bright and sticky …—Lewis Carroll

: humid, muggy

also : clammy

: tending to stick

: disagreeable, unpleasant

came to a sticky end

: awkward, stiff

: difficult, problematic

a sticky situation

: excessively sentimental : cloying

stickily

ˈsti-kə-lē

adverb

stickiness

ˈsti-kē-nəs

noun

Examples of sticky in a Sentence

The sap is very sticky. There is a sticky substance on the table. The paint was still sticky. The weather was hot and sticky.

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 serums that made the cut had elegant textures that absorbed easily without feeling sticky, greasy, or heavy. — Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026 Additionally, in the process of doing so, some of the sticky gel may get on the person's fingers. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 All the while, Cook created a sticky ecosystem with devices feeding a high-margin services business. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sticky

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of sticky was in 1688

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

stickwort

sticky

stickybeak

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

sticky

adjective

ˈstik-ē

stickier; stickiest

: adhesive entry 1, gluey

sticky syrup

: coated with a sticky substance

the tabletop was sticky

: muggy, humid

a hot sticky day

: tending to stick

sticky windows

stickily

ˈstik-ə-lē

adverb

stickiness

ˈstik-ē-nəs

noun

sticky

adjective

Synonyms of sticky

Examples of sticky in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

sticky

adjective

Synonyms of sticky

Examples of sticky in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing sticky

Rhymes for sticky

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes