1. having a bad temper; irritable or quarrelsome
Usage: informal; chiefly U.S.
2. stubborn or difficult to manage; uncooperative
Usage: informal; chiefly U.S.

Examples

• My grandfather gets ornery when he hasn't had his morning coffee.
• The old mule was ornery and refused to move no matter how hard we pulled.
• She woke up in an ornery mood and snapped at everyone.
• That ornery dog won't listen to any commands.
• He's been ornery all week since losing the game.
• The ornery child complained about everything at dinner.