First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
naughty
adjective naugh·ty \ˈnȯ-tē, ˈnä-\
: behaving badly
: relating to or suggesting sex in usually a playful way
naugh·ti·ernaugh·ti·est
Full Definition of NAUGHTY
1
a archaic : vicious in moral character : wicked b : guilty of disobedience or misbehavior
2
: lacking in taste or propriety
— naugh·ti·ly \ˈnȯ-tə-lē, ˈnä-\ adverb
— naugh·ti·ness \ˈnȯ-tē-nəs, ˈnä-\ noun
See naughty defined for English-language learners
See naughty defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of NAUGHTY
Middle English noughti, from nought
Related to NAUGHTY
- Synonyms
- bad, contrary, errant, froward, misbehaving, mischievous
NAUGHTILY Defined for Kids
naughty
adjective naugh·ty \ˈnȯ-tē\
naugh·ti·ernaugh·ti·est
Definition of NAUGHTY for Kids
: behaving in a bad or improper way
— naugh·ti·ly \ˈnȯ-tə-lē\ adverb
— naugh·ti·ness \ˈnȯ-tē-nəs\ noun
Learn More About NAUGHTY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: naughty packPrevious Word in the Dictionary: naughts–and–crossesAll Words Near: naughty
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up naughty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).