brainy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrā-nē 

brainier; brainiest

: having or showing a well-developed intellect : intelligent

braininess noun

braininess

2 of 2

noun

brain·​i·​ness

ˈbrā-nē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being brainy

Synonyms of brainy

Adjective

• intelligent
• clever
• smart
• quick
• brilliant
• fast

Examples of brainy in a Sentence

Adjective

a brainy student who didn't fit in socially

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Novitskaya succeeds Jean-Marc Loubier, the brainy, energetic executive who masterminded the rejuvenation and global expansion of Delvaux in the 2010s. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Don Adams led the slapstick spy spoof as the brainy but hopelessly incompetent Agent Smart, starring alongside Barbara Feldon as the ever-capable Agent 99. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Ice Princess follows Casey (Trachtenberg), a brainy high school student, who gives up her path to Harvard to pursue her dream of becoming a professional figure skater. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Based on a story by The Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot, Ice Princess follows the brainy Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg), who uses her love of physics to game the world of professional ice skating. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brainy

• cheyney
• grainy
• rainey
• zany
• allegany
• miscellany
• theophany
• terrane

Kids Definition

brainy

adjective

ˈbrā-nē 

brainier; brainiest

: intelligent sense 1b

braininess noun