What does spry mean?
Spry means lively, nimble, and energetic. The word is especially noticeable when used for an older person: to call someone spry suggests that they remain alert, active, and quick in movement despite their age. It can also describe an animal, a child, or a person's manner, particularly when that manner is jaunty and full of vitality. Spry is generally more approving than simply active, because it conveys both physical agility and mental alertness. The word often appears in phrases such as “spry as a fox,” and its cheerful, slightly old-fashioned flavor can make it especially effective in humorous or affectionate writing. While it can describe an older person with admiration, it does not necessarily imply extraordinary athletic ability; the essential sense is of being lively and quick rather than sedentary or sluggish.
adjectiveLively, nimble, and full of energetic movement. It describes someone, especially an older person, who is alert and active despite age or circumstances.
- Lively, nimble, and energetic in movement or manner.
- Alert, quick, and able to respond readily.
"Despite his years, he remained spry and quick on his feet."
"The spry children raced across the playground before the bell."
"At 90, she was still remarkably spry and continued to work in her garden."
Spry can describe someone whose energy seems to defy their age: a spry octogenarian may still move with the quickness of someone decades younger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spry come from?
The word appears in English in the late 16th century, particularly in Scottish and northern English usage. It comes from Scots spry, whose ultimate origin is uncertain. Over time, English developed the adjective forms spryly and spryness, along with the comparative and superlative forms spryer and spryest.
Related word forms
How spry is actually used
Spry is usually positive and carries a warm, often gently humorous tone. It is especially common when describing older people who are unusually active, alert, or agile, though it can apply to people of any age.