Frisky means playful, energetic, and full of lively spirit. A frisky puppy bounces around the yard, pouncing on leaves and inviting everyone to play. A frisky kitten bats at yarn and chases its own tail.

The word captures that particular kind of bouncy, mischievous energy: being playfully restless, like when you feel so good after recess that you can barely sit still in your chair. Animals are often described as frisky in spring, when warmer weather makes them extra playful and spirited.

People can be frisky too. Your little brother might wake up feeling frisky on a snow day, running around the house and turning everything into a game. When someone describes a horse as frisky, they mean it's feeling spirited and might prance or toss its head rather than plod along calmly.

The word has a cheerful, lighthearted feeling to it. Being frisky isn't about causing trouble; it's about having abundant energy and playfulness that bubbles over into everything you do.