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
David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024
The women in my family are known for their wit and their grit, but not exactly their warmth and sensitivity.
—Blake Cale, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2024
And judging by the trailer, Martha is doing Martha — exhibiting the steely exterior belied by a Chardonnay-dry wit that's endeared her to millions of fans on social media and to unlikely BFF, Snoop Dogg.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
The special also is being billed as non-partisan, but Williams’ The Last Word became known for his wit and sharp analysis, spotlighting major journalists as guests at the end of a day’s news cycle.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wit 
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Noun
This is an authorized telling, written with the participation of its subject, who contributes comments with restrained candor and wry, arch wit.
—David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024
The women in my family are known for their wit and their grit, but not exactly their warmth and sensitivity.
—Blake Cale, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2024
And judging by the trailer, Martha is doing Martha — exhibiting the steely exterior belied by a Chardonnay-dry wit that's endeared her to millions of fans on social media and to unlikely BFF, Snoop Dogg.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
The special also is being billed as non-partisan, but Williams’ The Last Word became known for his wit and sharp analysis, spotlighting major journalists as guests at the end of a day’s news cycle.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 31 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 25 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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