Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 grouchy /(grouch"y̆)/ · grouch·y · IPA /ˈɡɹaʊt͡ʃi/ 01 adj. given to complaining or grumbling; prone to show annoyance at slight provocation; irritable. 1. given to complaining or grumbling; prone to show annoyance at slight provocation; irritable. Syn. crabbed, crabby, cross, fussy, fussbudgety, grumpy, bad-tempered, ill-tempered.