wits

/ (wɪts) /


pl n
  1. (sometimes singular) the ability to reason and act, esp quickly (esp in the phrase have one's wits about one)

  2. (sometimes singular) right mind, sanity (esp in the phrase out of one's wits)

  1. at one's wits' end at a loss to know how to proceed

  2. five wits obsolete the five senses or mental faculties

  3. live by one's wits to gain a livelihood by craftiness and cunning rather than by hard work

Words Nearby wits

British Dictionary definitions for Wits (2 of 2)

Wits

/ (wɪts) /


noun
  1. Southern African informal University of the Witwatersrand

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use wits in a sentence

  • In cases in which no attempt is made to ignore the accusation, the small wits are wont to be busy discovering exculpations.

    Children's Ways | James Sully
  • In spite of her sharpened wits, Mrs. Kaye smiled radiantly into Isabel's guileless eyes.

    Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
  • In a party of wits an argument took place as to the definition of a reasonable animal.

  • And indeed for most young men a college thesis is but an exercise for sharpening the wits, rarely dangerous in its later effects.

  • Matt, getting quick control of his wits, had been running his eyes over the roadster.

    Motor Matt's "Century" Run | Stanley R. Matthews