Spry means moving quickly and lightly with energy and liveliness, especially in a way that seems surprising or impressive. When you see an 80-year-old grandmother doing cartwheels at a family reunion, you might describe her as spry. The word suggests nimbleness and vigor that you might not expect.

While spry often describes older people who move with youthful energy (like a spry grandfather who can still climb trees or beat his grandchildren in races), it can describe anyone who moves with quick, light, energetic grace. A spry squirrel leaps from branch to branch without hesitation. A spry kindergartener bounces up the stairs two at a time.

The word carries a sense of admiration and delight. When you call someone spry, you're noticing something impressive about their energy and agility. It's the opposite of sluggish, slow, or clumsy. Being spry means having that spring in your step, that readiness to move, that physical confidence that makes activity look easy and natural.