Meaning & use
wristy
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparablesportinformal
In sports, using a lot of wrist movement when hitting or throwing the ball.
Grammar: Gradable: 'a wristy player', 'a very wristy shot'. Used mainly before a noun or after a linking verb.
Patterns
- a wristy player
- a wristy shot
- play a wristy stroke
The commentator described him as a wristy player who can change the direction of the ball late.
She played a wristy forehand that surprised her opponent.
His wristy style makes him difficult to read on the cricket pitch.
adjectivecomparablesport
Involving or showing a lot of wrist action, especially in a quick, flexible movement.
Grammar: Usually used before a noun: 'a wristy flick'. It is not common outside sports writing.
Patterns
- a wristy flick
- a wristy movement
He sent the ball to the boundary with a wristy flick.
The coach praised her wristy movement at the net.
Word forms
| comparative | wristier |
|---|---|
| superlative | wristiest |
Common combinations
- a wristy player
- The young batsman is a wristy player with quick hands.
- a wristy shot
- He won the point with a wristy shot down the line.
- wristy flick
- Her wristy flick sent the ball past the goalkeeper.
- wristy style
- His wristy style is exciting but sometimes risky.
Synonyms and how they differ
- wrist-driven
- A more neutral, descriptive term that focuses on the source of the power rather than the player's style.
Word family
- wrist noun
- The joint between the hand and the arm.
Commonly confused: wristy or wristband?
wristy vs wristband
A 'wristband' is a band worn around the wrist; 'wristy' describes a style of play.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'wristy' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Wristy' is an adjective describing a player or shot that uses a lot of wrist movement. Option 1 fits this meaning; option 2 confuses it with 'wristwatch'; option 3 treats it as a noun; option 4 uses it as a verb, which is not standard.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “wristy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.