funkier; funkiest
Synonyms of funky
1
US : having an offensive odor : foul
a funky smell
2
music : having the style and feeling of older African American music (such as blues or gospel) or of funk
especially : characterized by rhythmic elements similar to those of funk
a funky beat
3
informal
a
: odd or quaint in appearance or feeling
a funky little restaurant
b
: unconventionally stylish : hip
funky clothes
… lighting gives the … shops and streets a funky prettiness …—Pauline Kael
funkily adverb
funkiness noun

funky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: being in a funk : panicky

Examples of funky in a Sentence

Adjective (2) a funky antique shop that reflects the owner's decidedly eccentric taste a funky pair of old socks lying on the locker room floor
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.
Adjective
Take a towel and soak it in fresh lemon juice before wiping down your shelves and drawers to leave behind a citrus scent that neutralizes funky smells. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026 The couple co-own JenChan’s, a popular Chinese and pizza restaurant in Atlanta’s quirky Cabbagetown neighborhood, and Mikkelson’s Market, a funky bodega one neighborhood over in Reynoldstown. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Walid Itayim plays a free and funky guitar solo over Sami Shabshab’s slick bassline, but the lyrics pierce straight through the upbeat tune. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 The plaid booths, counter-seat stools and general Americana comprise a funky-chic hideaway that has become an iconic late-night destination for generations of Angelenos. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for funky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

funk offensive odor

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of funky was circa 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Funky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funky. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

funky

adjective
ˈfəŋ-kē
1
: having a bad smell
2
: down-to-earth in style and feeling
especially : having the style and feeling of funk
a funky beat
3
informal
a
: odd in appearance or feeling
b
: stylish in an untypical way : hip sense 1
funky clothes
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster