canny

1 of 2

adjective

can·​ny ˈka-nē 

cannier; canniest

1

: clever, shrewd

a canny lawyer

also : prudent

canny investments

2

chiefly Scotland

a

: careful, steady

also : restrained

b

: quiet, snug

A canny pub, serving decent food at a decent price …

—Brian Severs

cannily

ˈka-nə-lē 

adverb

canniness

ˈka-nē-nəs 

noun

canny

2 of 2

adverb

Scotland

: in a canny manner : carefully

Synonyms of canny

Adjective

• smart
• astute
• shrewd
• savvy

Examples of canny in a Sentence

Adjective

a canny card player, good at psyching out his opponents

warm and canny under the woolen bedcovers, we didn't mind the chilly Scottish nights

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Charles, canny and discerning, is a threat — and maybe a kindred spirit. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

As her match in many ways, the actor found another way into Charles that reflects that in a canny style. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026

An astoundingly prolific painter, Max was also a canny businessman. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Sep. 2026

Chelsea turning a profit on Liam Delap showed just how canny an investment young English forwards are right now. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

originally Scots & regional northern English, going back to early Scots, "free from risk, sagacious, prudent, cautious," probably from can "ability" (noun derivative of can can entry 1) + -y -y entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1786, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for canny

• cranny
• fanny
• grannie
• granny
• nannie
• nanny
• tympani
• uncanny

Kids Definition

canny

adjective

can·​ny

ˈkan-ē

cannier; canniest

: watchful of one's own interest

cannily

ˈkan-ᵊl-ē

adverb

canniness

ˈkan-ē-nəs

noun