timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈti-məd How to pronounce timid (audio)
1
: lacking in courage or self-confidence
a timid person
2
: lacking in boldness or determination
a timid policy
timidity noun
timidly adverb
timidness noun

Examples of timid in a Sentence

She's very timid and shy when meeting strangers. He gave her a timid smile.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The prologue might end with a paroxysm of violence, but first there are a few timid whimpers of nascent pleasure; Bill Skarsgård’s base and primal Count Orlok is a nightmare who arrives on the wings of a nocturnal emission. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024 Unexpectedly, the timid Noa takes his brother’s side, wrapping a scarf around his uncle’s neck. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 Julia Roberts had a timid initial reaction to Leave the World Behind. Raven Brunner, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 But, yes, there still is a timid approach from the perimeter. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for timid 

Word History

Etymology

Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of timid was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near timid

Cite this Entry

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timid. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

timid

adjective
tim·​id ˈtim-əd How to pronounce timid (audio)
: feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : shy
timidity noun
timidly adverb
timidness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on timid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!