smart money

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈsmärt-ˌmə-nē 

: punitive damages

smart money

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈsmärt-ˈmə-nē 

-ˌmə-nē

1

: money ventured by one having inside information or much experience

2

: well-informed bettors or speculators

Examples of smart money in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During Financial Literacy Month, the In Your Corner podcast from CBS News Philadelphia explores how families can start building smart money habits early, even in a world where cash is rarely used and spending often feels invisible. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

These personalities make golfing more interesting, but the smart money is increasingly flowing to the recreational side of one of America’s favorite pastimes. —Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026

The smart money isn’t on the 49ers using free agency to restock their receiver pond. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2026

On clean energy, the smart money at Davos is betting against the most powerful person here. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

smart entry 3

Noun (2)

smart entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1707, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for smart money

• bunny
• funny
• gunny
• honey
• runny
• sonny
• sunny
• tunny

Legal Definition

smart money

1 of 2 noun

: punitive damages at damage 2

smart money

2 of 2 noun

1

: money invested by one having inside information or much experience

2

: well-informed investors or speculators

Etymology

Noun

smart pain