cocky

adjective

ˈkä-kē 

cockier; cockiest

1

: boldly or brashly self-confident

a cocky young actor

he is invariably a smug and cocky stuffed shirt

—James Thurber

2

: jaunty

cockily

ˈkä-kə-lē 

adverb

cockiness

ˈkä-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• arch
• audacious
• bold
• bold-faced
• brash
• brassbound
• brassy
• brazen
• brazen-faced
• cheeky
• cocksure
• fresh
• impertinent
• impudent
• insolent
• nervy
• sassy
• saucy
• wise

Examples of cocky in a Sentence

Don't get too cocky about your chances of getting the job.

a cocky young actor who thought that he was God's gift to the theater

Recent Examples on the Web

An immeasurable number of cocky children—not to mention the grown-ups—across the globe have followed suit, flashing obnoxious Muotombos at their smaller peers during all manner of basketball games. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 30 Sep. 2024

But his vocals remain forceful as well as cocky and playful across the board. —Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2024

Joining Burr on the big election episode is cocky rocker Mk.gee as musical guest. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

No nerves for Mike Franks, though — a cocky, mustachioed figure of indeterminate Southern origin who wears his machismo and political incorrectness on his suspenders. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see cock entry 1

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cocky

adjective

ˈkäk-ē 

cockier; cockiest

1

: being too sure of oneself

2

: jaunty

cockily

ˈkäk-ə-lē 

adverb

cockiness

ˈkäk-ē-nəs 

noun