ornery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Josh Charles stars as a talented but ornery surgeon who leaves his career in Boston to become a doctor in a small town.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

The Breeders’ Cup Classic attracted some horses as old as four and five — tough, ornery veterans.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Even the ornery and Scrooge-like Walter can’t help but become emotional at reading that.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2023

It falls to Asha, her quirky friends, an ornery talking goat sidekick and a cute fallen star to rebel against Magnifico to get the wishes back.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

“Yes, Billy. She had a tough go of it, but she’s a strong woman. She must be to keep an ornery boy like you in line.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool