cleverer; cleverest
1
: intelligent and able to learn things quickly
A few clever [=smart, bright] students have started a business recycling old computers.
Some cats are clever enough to figure out how to operate doorknobs.
2
: showing intelligent thinking
a clever design/invention
That's the cleverest idea I've heard yet!
She found a clever hiding place for the letter.
—often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.Whose clever idea was it to leave the window open?
3
: funny in a way that shows intelligence
I enjoyed the play's clever [=witty] dialogue.
4
British, informal
: talking in a rude way that is meant to show you are smart
Don't you start getting clever [=(US) fresh] with me! [=don't speak to me in a disrespectful way]
5
: good at doing things with your hands : skillful
Even as a little boy playing with blocks he was clever with his hands.
a clever machinist
6
British, informal
—used in various negative expressions to suggest that someone is not feeling well
I'd had a few drinks and wasn't feeling very clever.
For someone who hasn't been feeling too clever lately, he just played a great round of golf.
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/clever. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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