Dictionary
nervous Nellie
noun, nervous Nel·lie often capitalized 1st N \-ˈne-lē\
: a very fearful or nervous person
plural nervous Nellies
Full Definition of NERVOUS NELLIE
: a timid or worrisome person
See nervous Nellie defined for English-language learners
Variants of NERVOUS NELLIE
nervous Nel·lie or nervous Nel·ly \-ˈne-lē\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of NERVOUS NELLIE
from the name Nellie
First Known Use: 1926
Related to NERVOUS NELLIE
- Synonyms
- handwringer, worrier, worrywart, nervous wreck
Rhymes with NERVOUS NELLIE
Learn More About NERVOUS NELLIE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: nervous systemPrevious Word in the Dictionary: nervous fluidAll Words Near: nervous Nellie
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up nervous Nellie? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).