First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1smart
adjective \ˈsmärt\
: very good at learning or thinking about things
: showing intelligence or good judgment
: behaving or talking in a rude or impolite way : showing a lack of respect for someone
Full Definition of SMART
1
: making one smart : causing a sharp stinging
2
: marked by often sharp forceful activity or vigorous strength <a smart pull of the starter cord>
4
6
7
a : being a guided missile <a laser-guided smart bomb> b : operating by automation <a smart machine tool> c : intelligent 3
— smart·ly adverb
— smart·ness noun
See smart defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SMART
Middle English smert causing pain, from Old English smeart; akin to Old English smeortan
Related to SMART
2smart
intransitive verb
: to feel a sudden sharp pain
: to be upset about something
Full Definition of SMART
1
: to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp stinging pain; also : to feel or have such a pain
2
a : to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment <smarting from wounded vanity — W. L. Shirer> b : to pay a heavy or stinging penalty <would have to smart for this foolishness>
See smart defined for kids Origin of SMART
Middle English smerten, from Old English smeortan; akin to Old High German smerzan to pain
First Known Use: 13th century
3smart
noun
Definition of SMART
1
: a smarting pain; especially : a stinging local pain
2
: poignant grief or remorse <was not the sort to get over smarts — Sir Winston Churchill>
3
plural slang : intelligence, know-how
First Known Use of SMART
13th century
4smart
adverb
: in a smart way
Full Definition of SMART
: in a smart manner : smartly
See smart defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SMART
13th century
SMART Defined for Kids
1smart
adjective \ˈsmärt\
smart·ersmart·est
Definition of SMART for Kids
1
: quick to learn or do : bright <smart students>
2
: showing good judgment : wise <a smart decision>
3
: fresh 8 <“You tryin’ to be smart with me, boy?” — Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh>
4
: stylish and fashionable <a smart dresser>
6
: controlled by computers and able to do things that seem intelligent <a smart machine>
— smart·ly adverb
— smart·ness noun
2smart
verb
smart·edsmart·ing
Definition of SMART for Kids
1
: to cause or feel a sharp stinging pain <My eyes were smarting from the smoke.>
2
: to be upset <She's still smarting from the criticism.>
3smart
noun
Definition of SMART for Kids
: a stinging pain usually in one spot
Medical Dictionary
smart
intransitive verb \ˈsmärt\
Medical Definition of SMART
: to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp poignant pain <rapid fatigue with burning and smarting of the conjunctiva—H. G. Armstrong>; also : to feel or have such a pain
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