GINGERLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gingerly mean? 

• GINGERLY (adjective)
  The adjective GINGERLY has 1 sense:

1. with extreme care or delicacy

  Familiarity information: GINGERLY used as an adjective is very rare.

• GINGERLY (adverb)
  The adverb GINGERLY has 1 sense:

1. in a gingerly manner

  Familiarity information: GINGERLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GINGERLY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With extreme care or delicacy

Context example:

the issue was handled only in a gingerly way

Similar:

cautious (showing careful forethought)

• GINGERLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a gingerly manner

Context example:

gingerly I raised the edge of the blanket

Pertainym:

gingerly (with extreme care or delicacy)

 Context examples 

Laurie screwed up his face and obeyed with a gingerly peck at each little cheek that produced another laugh, and made the babies squeal.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I would handle it gingerly if I were you.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Four men gingerly carried the crate from the wagon into a small, high-walled back yard.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

He sat down gingerly on the edge of the chair, greatly worried by his hands.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)