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.
Garry Marshall's flick spins a modern Cinderella story starring Julia Roberts as the scrappy, street-smart escort Vivian and Richard Gere as leverage buyout executive Edward, who offers her a taste of the high life in exchange for her company at social gatherings. James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025 In a recurring role, Martin will play Booker, a street-smart criminal. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2025 Through it all, Lauper’s mixture of street-smart philosophies delivered with candor and undiminished vocal prowess cement her standing as a hall of famer far beyond a music museum. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 July 2025 Goldwyn continued to crave the skills of savvy, street-smart writers like Hellman, the kind of intellect who might elevate an industry many cultured people still looked down their nose at. Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 Cutting satire ensues when the girl’s street-smart sister, who believes her sibling is being devoured whole by the 1 percent, intervenes to save her. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 Her desperation to be liked is off-putting to everyone except street-smart Emily, who immediately takes to this eager beaver who will do anything to please. Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 1 May 2025 After a chance encounter on Hollywood Boulevard when Edward stops to ask for directions, the corporate raider hires the street-smart Vivian to spend the night with him at his hotel, which ultimately turns into a week. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 The For My Fans Tour date doubled as a survey of the Queen of Hip Hop Soul’s career and a summation of her triumphant journey from a street-smart artist who burst on the scene to a superstar who overcame everything from serious depression to substance abuse. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Street-smart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/street-smart. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

street-smart

adjective
ˈstrēt-ˌsmärt

More from Merriam-Webster on street-smart

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!