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Muggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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muggy

[ˈmʌɡi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

(of the weather) warm and damp, often uncomfortably so

Synonyms

close, humid, sticky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
muggy

This term is often used to describe weather that is both hot and humid, creating a heavy and uncomfortable atmosphere.

  • It's so muggy outside that I can barely breathe.
  • The muggy weather makes it hard to sleep at night.
humid

This term describes the presence of high levels of water vapor in the air, often linked with hot weather but not necessarily. It can be used in both scientific and everyday conversations.

  • The air was humid after the rain stopped.
  • It's so humid today that my clothes are sticking to me.
sticky

This term is often used informally to describe weather that feels damp and warm, causing discomfort and sweatiness.

  • It’s a sticky afternoon; I need a shower.
  • The football game was hard to play in this sticky weather.
close

Commonly used in British English, 'close' refers to weather that is hot and humid, usually making people feel uncomfortable and suffocated.

  • The air felt close and heavy as we walked through the park.
  • It’s going to be close all day, with a chance of thunderstorms.

Examples of usage

  • It's so muggy outside, I can't stand it.
  • The muggy air made it hard to breathe.
Context #2 | Adjective

atmosphere

lacking in clarity or freshness

Synonyms

oppressive, stale, stuffy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
muggy

Used to describe warm and humid weather that feels uncomfortable and sticky.

  • It's so muggy today that my clothes are sticking to me
  • The muggy weather makes it hard to breathe
stuffy

Describes an environment that feels airless and suffocating, usually indoors. It's often used in a negative context.

  • The office was so stuffy that I had to step outside to get some fresh air
  • The stuffy room made it hard to concentrate
stale

Refers to air that feels old, musty, and lacks freshness, commonly used in indoor settings. This word implies a negative experience.

  • The room smelled stale after being closed for so long
  • I need to open a window; the air in here is stale
oppressive

Describes a heavy, uncomfortable, and often suffocating feeling, usually in reference to weather or atmosphere. This word has a negative connotation.

  • The oppressive heat made everyone feel sluggish
  • The oppressive humidity was hard to bear during the hike

Examples of usage

  • The room felt muggy and stuffy.
  • The muggy atmosphere made it hard to concentrate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'muggy'

The word 'muggy' originated in the mid 18th century, and its exact etymology is uncertain. It is believed to have derived from the word 'mug,' meaning 'warm, dampness,' which was used in dialects of northern England and Scotland. Over time, 'muggy' came to be associated with warm, damp weather conditions. Today, it is commonly used to describe humid and uncomfortable atmospheric conditions.

See also: mug.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,470 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.