Word
quirky
US/ˈkwɝki/
UK/kwˈɜːki/
Definition
adj. strange in a way that is interesting or attractive. You use this word when someone or something is unusual, but in a charming way.
adj. having unusual or strange qualities that are regarded as interesting or appealing rather than odd or negative.
Examples
“She has a quirky sense of humor.”
“The small town is known for its quirky shops and colorful street art.”
“The film's quirky charm lies in its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric cast of characters.”
Examples
simple
“She has a quirky sense of humor.”
contextual
“The small town is known for its quirky shops and colorful street art.”
complex
“The film's quirky charm lies in its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric cast of characters.”
Real-World Examples
“It seems 90% of life in the deep sea has yet to be named, explains film-maker Eleanor Mortimer in her quirky voiceover.” “The arrangement was considered unusual when announced, but the house of Prada has always had a way of spinning gold from quirky ideas, and it has worked.” Etymology
From quirk + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/quirky