smirk
Americanverb (used without object)
noun
noun
verb
-
(intr) to give such a smile
-
(tr) to express with such a smile
Usage
What does smirk mean? A smirk is a kind of smile, but it’s not a friendly smile—it’s often a sarcastic or arrogant one or one that’s intended to provoke or irritate the person who sees it. Smirk is also a verb that means to smile in such a way. People often smirk to show contempt for someone or something—such as by smirking at a person who’s angry at them. Sometimes, though, the word simply refers to a kind of slight smile or a smile that looks like a smirk usually does—a baby might smirk, for example, obviously without meaning anything by it. Example: Wipe that smirk off your face and take this seriously!
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of smirk
First recorded before 900; Middle English smirken (verb), Old English sme(a)rcian
Explanation
A smirk is specific kind of smile, one that suggests self-satisfaction, smugness, or even pleasure at someone else's unhappiness or misfortune. Smirk can function as either a noun or a verb: "Wipe that smirk off your face. Don't smirk at me, buddy: you're gonna get yours next!" A smirk implies you think you're better than the person you're smirking at. Ever heard of the term "service with a smile"? Yeah, well, there's a reason it's not "service with a smirk."
Vocabulary lists containing smirk
The Lingo of Body Language
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Bridge to Terabithia
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Moments later when the score flashed across the screen, Liu simply cracked a subtle smirk.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026
On Chinese social media, pictures show some users sticking couplets or upside down pictures of Malfoy's signature smirk.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
More than one friend, he said with a smirk, had asked him how to do so: They “say, ‘Roger, I need your help.
From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026
Cignetti, smiling through that permanent I told ya so smirk, brushed off Indiana’s new status as the No. 1 heavy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025
With a smirk, Lara yanks the book out of my arms like it’s nothing.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
