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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

ruddy

/ˈɹʌdi/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:57
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What does ruddy mean?

adjective

  1. Reddish in color, especially of the face, fire, or sky.
  2. Robust and vigorous, like a person with a red complexion (as compared to a pale one).
  3. (slang) A mild intensifier, expressing irritation.
More meanings (5)

adverb

  1. (slang) A mild intensifier, expressing irritation.

noun

  1. (informal) A ruddy duck.
  2. (informal) A ruddy ground dove.

verb

  1. To make reddish in colour.

proper noun

  1. A surname.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈɹʌdi/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

You are my true and honourable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart.
William ShakespeareThe Complete Works of William ShakespeareProject Gutenberg ebook #100
“We must have some things we don’t like, and go without some we do,” said the ruddy young nobleman, laughing still.
Henry JamesThe AmericanProject Gutenberg ebook #177
More book examples (3)
Then I saw, without understanding, the cause of my phantom,—a ruddy glow that came and danced and went upon the wall opposite.
H. G. (Herbert George) WellsThe island of Doctor MoreauProject Gutenberg ebook #159
A ruddy and lusty old dame, who delights in all weathers and seasons, and is likely to outlive all her children yet.
Henry David ThoreauWalden, and On The Duty Of Civil DisobedienceProject Gutenberg ebook #205
As it grew dark, a ruddy glare came out on the hilltop, and out of the glare the diminished commotion of the fair.
D. H. (David Herbert) LawrenceSons and LoversProject Gutenberg ebook #217