What does sticky mean?
Sticky is an adjective describing something that adheres to a surface, remains attached, or is difficult to move or separate. Glue, syrup, and tape are familiar sticky substances, while a sticky finger may be merely useful—or notorious for taking things it should not. Figuratively, a sticky problem is one that resists easy handling or resolution, and economists use “sticky” for prices or wages that change slowly. The word is also an informal noun for a small adhesive note or label; its plural is stickies. In ordinary conversation, sticky often carries a mild negative or slightly comic tone, suggesting a mess that clings, an awkward situation, or an unpleasant task that cannot be shaken off. At the same time, it is vivid and economical: one word can move from literal adhesion to metaphorical social or economic entrapment, making it especially memorable in both casual speech and precise technical commentary.
Tending to adhere to a surface or remain attached; figuratively, difficult to handle, resolve, or get rid of, or resistant to change.
"The weather turned humid, and every surface felt sticky."
The figurative meanings are common in general English; the economic meaning is technical.
A small adhesive note or label.
"She wrote the address on a sticky and attached it to the monitor."
Informal; the usual plural is stickies.
The standard plural for the noun meaning a small adhesive note or label.
"He used two stickies to mark the relevant pages."
Glue sticks to surfaces, problems can stick to you, and economists say prices are sticky when they refuse to fall. One word covers all three.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sticky come from?
The adjective sticky was formed in English by adding the suffix -y to stick and is recorded from the early modern period. The base word stick is an old Germanic word for a slender piece of material, while the derived adjective came to express the quality of adhering. Later, informal noun uses developed for small adhesive notes or labels, with stickies becoming the usual plural.
Related word forms
How sticky is actually used
The figurative adjective is common in informal British and American English. The noun is informal, while the economic sense of resistance to change is technical.
Easily confused with sticky
Both words can describe something adhesive, but tacky can also mean cheap or in bad taste, senses that do not apply to sticky.