NYT Dictionary

GIRLY

/ˈɡɝli/
AdjectiveNounAdverbGIRL-ygirl-y · 2 syllablesGrade 2

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Characteristic of a stereotypical girl, very effeminate, gentle; unmasculine.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *gaurā Proto-West Germanic *-ilā Proto-West Germanic *gurilā Old English *gyrele? Middle English girle English girl Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Germanic *-gaz Proto-West Germanic *-g Old English -iġ Middle English -y English -y English girly From girl + -y (adjectival sufix).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

girlilygirlishlyfemininegirlishpuellilepuellinewomanlyeffeminateunmanly

Antonyms

butchhoydenhoydenishmannishmasculinetomboyishunwomanlymanly

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles:

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