Did you know?
In its very earliest uses in the 16th century, surly meant "majestic" or "lordly." These early meanings make sense when you know that this word is an alteration of Middle English "serreli," which probably comes from "sire, ser," a title formerly used as a form of address for men of rank or authority. So how did a word with such lofty beginnings come to be associated with grumbling rudeness? Arrogant and domineering behavior is sometimes associated with men of rank or position, and "surly" came to mean "haughty" or "imperious." These meanings (which are now obsolete) led to the "rude" sense that is very common today.
Examples of surly in a Sentence
Luna Adler, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Linda hustles the two of them to a nearby motel whose only employees are a surly young goth attendant (a glowering Ivy Wolk) and a sympathetic, mildly flirty super (A$AP Rocky, laidback and breezy).
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
With his brother, Josh, Benny has built a career on his fascination with these occasionally surly characters, often men on the downswing.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
In the span of a few months rehabbing in Los Angeles in 2023, an oft-surly 40-year-old quarterback became pals with a 25-year-old goofball of a running back.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surly
Cite this Entry
“Surly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surly. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
surly
adjective
Middle English serreli "lordly, imperious," from sir "a man of rank"
Share