What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wiry
Example
Her wiry hair was difficult to manage. [wiry: adjective]
Example
The gymnast had a wiry build that allowed her to perform impressive feats. [wiry: adjective]
Example
The wiry branches of the tree swayed in the wind. [wiry: adjective]
stringy
Example
Her hair was stringy and greasy. [stringy: adjective]
Example
The steak was overcooked and stringy. [stringy: adjective]
Example
The celery had stringy fibers that got stuck in my teeth. [stringy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stringy is more commonly used than wiry in everyday language. Stringy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wiry is less common and refers to specific textures or appearances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wiry and stringy?
Both wiry and stringy are informal words, but wiry can be used in a more formal context when describing plants or trees with thin, flexible branches.
