ingenious

adjective in·ge·nious \ in-ˈjēn-yəs \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of ingenious

1 obsolete : showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment

2 : having or showing an unusual aptitude for discovering, inventing, or contriving

an ingenious detective

3 : marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution

an ingenious contraption

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ingeniously

adverb

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ingeniousness

noun

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See ingenious defined for kids

Examples of ingenious in a Sentence

How many dog-size bathrobes (an ingenious device) are out there? —David Colman, Vogue, April 2001
… spacecraft engineers tried to come up with ways to "unstick" the antenna. Those attempts failed, but by ingenious software and mission-sequencing techniques … the Galileo mission was still able to fulfill nearly all of its scientific requirements and return a rich quantity of scientific data … —Louis Friedman et al., Encyclopedia of the Solar System, 1999
… an ingenious method of checking errors … —W. David Gardner, Datamation, June 1982
The book has an ingenious plot.
She was ingenious at finding ways to work more quickly.
It was ingenious of him to arrange the schedule so precisely.

Recent Examples of ingenious from the Web

Having both collections shows the two sides to the Tupperware story, Nickles says: the innovative product (which is sold by more than 3.2 million people today) and the ingenious marketing strategy.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "The Story of Brownie Wise, the Ingenious Marketer Behind the Tupperware Party," 11 Apr. 2018
But workers in most European countries, and some other rich countries outside the US, have figured out an ingenious way around this.

— dylan matthews, Vox, "The emerging plan to save the American labor movement," 9 Apr. 2018
And among those controls are the shifter, a module for the electric parking brake and seat heat-vent controls and a pair of cup holders that have an ingenious two-step mode for taller bottles.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Lexus RX 350L: The 3-row prescription for family travel," 6 Apr. 2018
Watching the family find ingenious ways to deal with that threat is both A Quiet Place’s strongest element and its saddest.

— adi robertson, The Verge, "A Quiet Place blends horror and drama in a silent world," 5 Apr. 2018
The ingenious non-reflective glass on the gondolas makes the SkyWheel an ideal spot for selfies and aerial photos of the miles and miles of beaches and beyond!

— aleks kang, USA TODAY, "8 reasons why Myrtle Beach should be your next vacation," 2 Apr. 2018
Kyrie was the most ingenious finisher below the rim ever with his pool hustler angles and spider spin of the balls.

— bill livingston, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers should keep 'X factor' Jose Calderon as starter - Bill Livingston (photos)," 26 Mar. 2018
The proposal is an ingenious run around Obamacare’s regulations, which have inconvenienced several conservative-leaning states.

— The Economist, "Republicans seek alternatives to Obamacare’s pricey insurance markets," 28 Mar. 2018
Kaplamino is known for his ingenious DIY tabletop machines.

— thuy ong, The Verge, "Here’s the best use for fidget spinners yet," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ingenious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ingenious

Middle English ingenyous, from Middle French ingenieus, from Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium natural capacity — more at engine

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First Known Use: 15th century

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ingenious Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of ingenious

clever, adroit, cunning, ingenious mean having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving. clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.