adj.
Pronunciation: ' stin-j ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: stin · gi · er ; -est
Etymology: perhaps from English dialect *stinge, noun, sting; akin to Old English stingan to sting
Date: 1659
1 : not generous or liberal : sparing or scant in using, giving, or spending < stingy with the salt> < stingy employee benefits>
2 : meanly scanty or small < stingy portions of meat>
– stin · gi · ly \ -j ə -l ē \ adverb
– stin · gi · ness \ -j ē -n ə s \ noun
synonyms STINGY , CLOSE , NIGGARDLY , PARSIMONIOUS , PENURIOUS , MISERLY mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. STINGY implies a marked lack of generosity <a stingy child, not given to sharing>. CLOSE suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions <folks who are very close when charity calls>. NIGGARDLY implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible <the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>. PARSIMONIOUS suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess <a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>. PENURIOUS implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty <the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>. MISERLY suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding <a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.