Meaning & Definition of word "Sty"

Sty

/staɪ/

noun:

  • 1. A small shed or shelter for swine.
    • Example: The farmer built a new sty for the pigs to keep them safe from predators.
  • 2. A pigpen; a dirty or untidy place.
    • Example: After the party, the living room looked like a sty with clothes and food scattered everywhere.
  • 3. A small, often inflamed, cyst that forms on the eyelid.
    • Example: She had to apply warm compresses to her eye to relieve the pain from the sty.

Etymology

Old English 'stig' meaning 'to remain, a place of dwelling' related to the word 'sty' meaning 'a pigpen'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sty in the eye:

A painful lump caused by an infection in the eyelid.

Related Words

pigsty:

A dirty or untidy place, especially one used for animals.

styptic:

A substance that stops bleeding.

Slang Meanings of sty

Meaning: A dirty or untidy environment.

Example Sentence: His room is a complete sty.