Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "higgledy-piggledy" [hig•gle•dy-pig•gle•dy]

  • In utter disorder or confusion: "There is something delightfully and liberatingly ludicrous about parading higgledy-piggledy in a line of walkers of all shapes and sizes” ( Christa Worthington). (adverb)
  • Topsy-turvy; jumbled. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "higgledy-piggledy" in a sentence
  • "This once "higgledy-piggledy" historic home in the Township of Morris, N.J., was given a more coherent layout by the current owners."
  • "Turpin Real Estate Ms. Higgins said the additions that were tacked on over the years by previous owners made the house 'a little higgledy-piggledy.'"
  • "At the York complex, manufacturing operations that used to be spread higgledy-piggledy around more than 20 buildings have been funneled into one main factory."