Main Entry:

¹cun·ning

Pronunciation:

\ˈkə-niŋ\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from present participle of can know

Date:

14th century

1 : dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end <a cunning plotter> 2 : displaying keen insight <a cunning observation> 3 : characterized by wiliness and trickery <cunning schemes> 4 : prettily appealing : cute <a cunning little kitten>

synonyms see clever, sly

— cun·ning·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

— cun·ning·ness noun