Main Entry:

art·ful

Pronunciation:

\ˈärt-fəl\

Function:

adjective

Date:

1609

1: performed with or showing art or skill <an artful performance on the violin>2 a: using or characterized by art and skill : dexterous <an artful prose stylist> b: adroit in attaining an end usually by insinuating or indirect means : wily <an artful cross-examiner>3: artificial <trim walks and artful bowers — William Wordsworth>

synonyms see sly

— art·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— art·ful·ness noun