WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
touch•y /ˈtʌtʃi/USA pronunciation
adj., -i•er, -i•est.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- likely to take offense for some slight reason;
irritable:She's sort of touchy when it comes to her academic credentials. - requiring caution, careful handling, or tact;
risky:It's a touchy situation.
touch•y
(tuch′ē),USA pronunciation adj., touch•i•er, touch•i•est.
touch ′i•ly, adv.
touch ′i•ness, n.
- apt to take offense on slight provocation;
irritable:He is very touchy when he's sick. - requiring caution, tactfulness, or expert handling;
precarious;
risky:a touchy subject; a touchy situation. - sensitive to touch.
- easily ignited, as tinder.
- variant of techy, by association with touch 1595–1605
touch ′i•ness, n.
- 1. testy, irascible, edgy, snappish, cranky. See irritable.