smirk
[ smurk ]
/ smɜrk /
Save This Word!
verb (used without object)
to smile in an affected, smug, or offensively familiar way.
noun
the facial expression of a person who smirks.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of smirk
before 900; Middle English smirken (v.), Old English sme(a)rcian
OTHER WORDS FROM smirk
smirker, nounsmirk·ing·ly, adverbun·smirk·ing, adjectiveun·smirk·ing·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for smirk
British Dictionary definitions for smirk
smirk
/ (smɜːk) /
noun
a smile expressing scorn, smugness, etc, rather than pleasure
verb
(intr) to give such a smile
(tr) to express with such a smile
Derived forms of smirk
smirker, nounsmirking, adjectivesmirkingly, adverbWord Origin for smirk
Old English smearcian; related to smer derision, Old High German bismer contempt, bismerōn to scorn
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