Definition of smart
1 : making one smart : causing a sharp stinging
2 : marked by often sharp forceful activity or vigorous strength a smart pull of the starter cord
4a : mentally alert : brightb : knowledgeablec : shrewd a smart investment
5a : witty, clever a smart sitcomb : pert, saucy don't get smart with me
6a : neat, trim soldiers in smart uniformsb : stylish or elegant in dress or appearancec (1) : appealing to sophisticated tastes (2) : characteristic of or patronized by fashionable society
7a : being a guided missile a laser-guided smart bombb : operating by automation a smart machine toolc : intelligent 3
smartly
adverbsmartness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of smart in a Sentence
Poodles are said to be smart dogs.
That was a smart investment.
He gave her a smart answer.
Recent Examples of smart from the Web
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Kelly says the federal government is not going to take over state elections, but that with foreign countries, criminals or others who could try to meddle in American democratic process, state officials would be smart to get extra help.
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Qualcomm results on Wednesday came in just above the midpoints of its April revised forecasts, with the company citing growth in areas such as automotive, security, and smart devices that are adjacent to its core smartphone business.
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The smart park, which could open in spring 2018, is to include free Wi-Fi service, electrical outlets and USB port connections.
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Brendan is strong and smart and loving and obviously a leader!!
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The Ticos’ captain showed off the full arsenal of sharp runs and smart passes that has taken him to the English Premier League and Portugal’s top flight over the years.
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Connected+ adds to that a smarter time-to-leave function that takes the vehicle’s location into account for true door-to-door travel times.
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In the fifth, a smart play by right fielder Daniella Gray saved a run.
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This Backwoods Barbie is one of the smartest, most respectful professionals in the industry.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smart.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of smart
Middle English smert causing pain, from Old English smeart; akin to Old English smeortan
smart
Definition of smart
intransitive verb
1 : to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp stinging pain; also : to feel or have such a pain
2a : to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment smarting from wounded vanity — W. L. Shirerb : to pay a heavy or stinging penalty would have to smart for this foolishness
Examples of smart in a Sentence
Her eyes were smarting from the smoke.
the injection only smarted for a moment
Origin and Etymology of smart
Middle English smerten, from Old English smeortan; akin to Old High German smerzan to pain
smart
Definition of smart
1 : a smarting pain; especially : a stinging local pain
2 : poignant grief or remorse was not the sort to get over smarts — Sir Winston Churchill
3 smarts plural, slang : intelligence, know-how
Examples of smart in a Sentence
the toddler was whining over the smart from the cut
she had the smarts to start college at age 16, but perhaps not the emotional maturity
Recent Examples of smart from the Web
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Nataki Garrett’s DCPA directorial debut follows a group of Harvard intelligentsia whose smarts do little to help them navigate life’s tough problems.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smart.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of smart
13th century
Examples of smart in a Sentence
He plays smart and the fans appreciate that.
I dress smarter than she does.
Play it smart during the contract negotiations and you'll get more vacation time.
First Known Use of smart
13th century
SMART Defined for English Language Learners
smart
playDefinition of smart for English Language Learners
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: very good at learning or thinking about things
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: showing intelligence or good judgment
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: behaving or talking in a rude or impolite way : showing a lack of respect for someone
smart
Definition of smart for English Language Learners
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: to feel a sudden sharp pain
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: to be upset about something
smart
Definition of smart for English Language Learners
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: in a smart way
SMART Defined for Kids
Definition of smart for Students
smarter
;smartest
1 : quick to learn or do : bright smart students
2 : showing good judgment : wise a smart decision
3 : fresh 8 “You tryin’ to be smart with me, boy?” — Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh
4 : stylish and fashionable a smart dresser
6 : controlled by computers and able to do things that seem intelligent a smart machine
smartly
adverbsmartness
nounDefinition of smart for Students
smarted
;smarting
1 : to cause or feel a sharp stinging pain My eyes were smarting from the smoke.
2 : to be upset She's still smarting from the criticism.
Medical Dictionary
smart
playMedical Definition of smart
: to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp poignant pain rapid fatigue with burning and smarting of the conjunctiva—H. G. Armstrong; also : to feel or have such a pain
Learn More about smart
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See words that rhyme with smart Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for smart Spanish Central: Translation of smart Nglish: Translation of smart for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of smart for Arabic speakers
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