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.
Prof Justin Smith, who was part of the team which found the episode, said: "It is fast-paced, it is witty and it has many of their trademarks."
From BBC • Apr. 24, 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
His witty, thoughtful verses broadened the scope of hip-hop with stories about treating your mother with respect and catching your girlfriend cheating with the postman, alongside hard-hitting lyrics about social deprivation and immigration.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
She reminds me of me, but she is just a little bit more witty because she don’t got no trauma like I did.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026
However I had no occasion for witty discourse, except with myself.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
