Teary/ˈtɪri/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Display Describes visible emotional responses, not just the act of crying. Her teary expression at the wedding made everyone emotional. Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Joy Can express happiness, not just sadness; context is key. He had teary eyes when he laughed at the joke. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal 'Teary' can be used figuratively to describe a sense of nostalgia or emotion. She felt teary thinking about her childhood home.