street-smart

adjective

ˈstrēt-ˌsmärt How to pronounce street-smart (audio)
Synonyms of street-smartnext
: streetwise

Examples of street-smart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His blend of compassion and street-smart toughness made the character an enduring television icon throughout the show's 118 episodes. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026 Yet there’s something disarming about how Riley’s sense of play holds this street-smart meta-rebellion fantasy together. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 The result is a perfectly balanced look that feels effortless, chic, and completely street-smart. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 Tyler Perry loves his broad comedies, many revolving around his most enduring character, Madea, the blunt, street-smart, occasionally violent grandmother with a heart of gold. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for street-smart

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of street-smart was in 1966

Rhymes for street-smart

See All Rhymes for street-smart

Browse Nearby Words

streetscape
street-smart
street smarts
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Cite this Entry

“Street-smart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/street-smart. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

street-smart

adjective
ˈstrēt-ˌsmärt
: streetwise

More from Merriam-Webster on street-smart

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