higgledy–piggledy

adverb hig·gle·dy–pig·gle·dy \ˌhi-gəl-dē-ˈpi-gəl-dē\

: in a messy way : without order

Full Definition of HIGGLEDY-PIGGLEDY

: in a confused, disordered, or random manner <tiny hovels piled higgledy–piggledy against each other — Edward Behr>

— higgledy–piggledy adjective

See higgledy–piggledy defined for English-language learners

See higgledy-piggledy defined for kids

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1598

HIGGLEDY-PIGGLEDY Defined for Kids

adverb or adjective hig·gle·dy–pig·gle·dy \ˌhi-gəl-dē-ˈpi-gəl-dē\

: in a messy way : topsy-turvy <Clothes were scattered higgledy-piggledy.> <Their apartment was higgledy-piggledy.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: Higgs bosonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: higgleAll Words Near: higgledy-piggledy

What made you want to look up higgledy-piggledy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears