goody-goody

adjective

ˌgu̇-dē-ˈgu̇-dē How to pronounce goody-goody (audio)
Synonyms of goody-goodynext
: affectedly or ingratiatingly good or proper
goody-goody noun

Examples of goody-goody in a Sentence

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.
But the tension between evil Max and goody-goody Pippa makes my heart do backflips. — Fletcher Peters, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 Gwen Grastorf’s embodiment of the scheming goody-goody Arsinoë is a tad stagy, but the character is still a fine foil for the quick-witted Célimène. — Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 May 2023 This somewhat spotty touring production stars Lauren Samuels as the misunderstood villain Elphaba and Austen Danielle Bohmer as the goody-goody Glinda, the iconic characters originally played by Idina Mendel and Kristin Chenoweth. — Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goody-goody was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Goodyera
goody-goody
Goody Two-shoes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goody-goody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goody-goody. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

goody-goody

adjective
ˌgu̇d-ē-ˈgu̇d-ē
: pretending to be good in order to impress people
goody-goody noun

More from Merriam-Webster on goody-goody

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for goody-goody

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