Simple Definition of canny

from our Learner's Dictionary

canny

adjective

ˈkæni How to pronounce canny (audio)
cannier; canniest
: very clever and able to make intelligent decisions : shrewd
a canny lawyer
canny investors/investments

Cite this Entry

“Canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/canny. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on canny

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for canny

Nglish: Translation of canny for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of indomitable

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

The Words of the Week - Jun 19

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
boy-thinking-light-bulb
Quiz: Are You An Idiom Expert? Figure out what these figures of speech actually ...
See All