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

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

Octopuses are as clever, in their own way, as such famously brainy animals as crows, dolphins or chimpanzees. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Reese Witherspoon, who originated the role of the brainy blonde in the 2001 feature and its 2003 sequel, serves as an executive producer. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 1 July 2026

He gets reacquainted 15 years later with his Sword of Power along with childhood chum Teela (Camila Mendes), who’s brainier and brawnier than the majority of the guys, and his former Man-at-Arms Duncan (Idris Elba), the former protector of Adam’s family. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 June 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