First Known Use: circa 1650
Dictionary
1racy
adjective \ˈrā-sē\
rac·i·errac·i·est
Definition of RACY
1
a : full of zest or vigor b : having a strongly marked quality : piquant <a racy flavor> c : risqué, suggestive <racy jokes>
2
: having the distinctive quality of something in its original or most characteristic form
— rac·i·ly \ˈrā-sə-lē\ adverb
— rac·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of RACY
3race
Synonym Discussion of RACY
pungent, piquant, poignant, racy mean sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses. pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors <a cheese with a pungent odor>. piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency <a piquant sauce>. poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions <felt a poignant sense of loss>. racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired <spontaneous, racy prose>.
2racy
adjective
rac·i·errac·i·est
Definition of RACY
: having a body or shape that is suited for racing <a racy dog> <a car with racy lines>
Origin of RACY
1race
First Known Use: 1841
Learn More About RACY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: rad (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: racquetballAll Words Near: racy
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up racy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).