wiser; wisest
Definition of wise
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment
b
: exercising or showing sound judgment : prudent
a wise investor
2a
: evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information : knowing
b
: possessing inside information
the police got wise to his whereabouts
d
: aware of or informed about a particular matter
—usually used in the comparative in negative constructions with the was none the wiser about their plans
3
: insolent, smart-alecky, fresh
a tough kid with a wise mouth
4
archaic
: skilled in magic or divination
wise
verb (1)
wised; wising
Definition of wise (Entry 2 of 5)
: to become informed or knowledgeable : learn
—used with up
: to give instruction or information to : teach
—usually used with up wise him up about procedures
wise
nounDefinition of wise (Entry 3 of 5)
wise
verb (2)
wised; wising
Definition of wise (Entry 4 of 5)
-wise
adverb combining formDefinition of -wise (Entry 5 of 5)
1a
: in the manner of
crabwise fanwise
b
: in the position or direction of
slantwise clockwise
2
: with regard to : in respect of
dollarwise
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share wise
Time Traveler for wise
The first known use of wise was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century