1
a
: the ability to relate seemingly disparate things so as to illuminate or amuse
b(1)
: a talent for banter or persiflage
(2)
: a witty utterance or exchange
c
: clever or apt humor
d
: astuteness of perception or judgment : acumen
2
a
: a person of superior intellect : thinker
b
: an imaginatively perceptive and articulate individual especially skilled in banter or persiflage
3
a
: reasoning power : intelligence
4
a
: sense sense 2a
—usually used in plural
alone and warming his five wits, the white owl in the belfry sits—
Alfred Tennyson
Alfred TennysonSynonyms
Examples of wit in a Sentence
Noun
She is full of wit and vivacity.
His latest book doesn't have the same wit as his earlier books.
The book is a collection of his wit and wisdom.
She was a famous writer and wit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Even when her efforts didn’t pay off, the sharpness of her wit and her talent for character building were still rewarding to watch.
—Ilana Kaplan, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
At the same time, some of the sculptures convey a sense of wit and playfulness that doesn’t easily tie into the grief narrative.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
His new album offers a sampling of sounds, with deep emotional excavations sitting alongside flashes of sharp wit.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wit 
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Noun
With sly wit and improbable empathy, the show simultaneously scrutinizes the arrogance of the traditional medical establishment and the presumptions and false promises of the wellness industry.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Even when her efforts didn’t pay off, the sharpness of her wit and her talent for character building were still rewarding to watch.
—Ilana Kaplan, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
At the same time, some of the sculptures convey a sense of wit and playfulness that doesn’t easily tie into the grief narrative.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
His new album offers a sampling of sounds, with deep emotional excavations sitting alongside flashes of sharp wit.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wit
Dictionary Entries Near wit
Cite this Entry
“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wit. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wit
2 of 2 noun1
: ability to think or reason : intelligence
2
a
: normal mental state
—usually used in plural
scared out of my wits
b
: practical good judgment
had the wit to leave quickly
3
a
: a talent for making clever and usually amusing remarks
b
: cleverly amusing remarks
also
: one noted for making such remarks
Etymology
Verb
Old English witan "to know"
Noun
Old English wit "mind"
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