- -y
- -y1 [i]suffix [in adjectives]1.) full of something or covered with something▪ sugary desserts (=full of sugar)▪ dirty hands (=covered with dirt)▪ a hairy chest (=covered with hair)2.) having a quality or feeling, or tending to do something▪ a messy room▪ curly hair (=hair that curls)▪ feeling sleepy3.) like or typical of something▪ a cold wintry day (=typical of winter)▪ his long, horsy face (=he looks like a horse)4.) fond of or interested in something▪ a horsy woman (=who likes riding horses)>-ily suffix [in adverbs]>-iness suffix [in nouns]-y 2-y2 suffix [in nouns]1.) also -ieused to make a word or name less formal, and often to show that you care about them - used especially when talking to children▪ Where's little Johnny?▪ my daddy (=my father)▪ What a nice doggy (=dog) !2.) used to make nouns from some verbs to show an action▪ the expiry date (=the date when somethingexpires)▪ an inquiry (=the act ofinquiring about something)
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.