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

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

His shock engagement to Sarita (Hannah Simone), the brainy, beautiful sister of de facto trooper leader Thorny (director Jay Chandrasekhar), pits brother against family and bro against bro, even if Farva doesn’t register his colleague’s disgust. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

False morels look more brainy than real morels, often with more wrinkles, folds, and channels than true pores. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 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