witty
Americanadjective
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possessing wit in speech or writing; amusingly clever in perception and expression.
a witty writer.
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characterized by wit.
a witty remark.
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British Dialect. intelligent; clever
adjective
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characterized by clever humour or wit
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archaic intelligent or sensible
Related Words
See humorous 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of witty
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English wittig originally, “wise”; see wit 1, -y 1
Explanation
A witty remark is clever and funny and timed just right. When you make such a remark, you are also considered to be witty. The adjective witty can be used to describe those quick little funny remarks that often demonstrate a sharp, biting humor delivered in a playful manner. Witty usually describes things that are off-the-cuff amusing, rather than remarks that are elaborate or carefully planned in advance. This adjective is usually used in a complimentary way, but, like its cousin clever, it can be used sarcastically, as when someone who doesn't appreciate your one-liners says, "Well, aren't we witty today."
Vocabulary lists containing witty
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
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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.
Bringing his bag of insane tricks and witty banter to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre for two nights on May 8 and 9, Willman’s crowd work, storytelling and intricate tricks are inspired by everyday life.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
Welsh actors Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri are set to star in a "witty, twisty" crime series, working together to solve murders in a seaside town.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
Jordan and Eden revel in each other’s company, finish each other’s sentences and play off each other with insightful or witty interjections.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
An English-language debut by Russian director Kirill Sokolov, who also co-wrote its script, “They Will Kill You” is tongue-in-cheek but not witty, reveling in its excesses without bringing anything fresh to the party.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
I don't mean he wasn't witty or anything--he was--but sometimes it gets on your nerves when somebody's always saying things like "So you and Pencey are no longer one."
From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger
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.
