brainy

[ brey-nee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, brain·i·er, brain·i·est.

1. intelligent; clever; intellectual.

brainy

/ ˈbreɪnɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   clever; intelligent

Derived Forms

• ˈbrainily, adverb
• ˈbraininess, noun

Other Words From

• braini·ly adverb
• braini·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; brain + -y ¹

Example Sentences

A finely calibrated cast, including Christopher Walken, finds depth in initially shallow stereotypes — rich influencer, uptight white guy, brainy Indian girl — as a crew sentenced to community service for their petty infractions.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Terry said people keep assuming she is "brainy" because she is studying for her fourth degree.

From BBC

But she has a knack with actors, particularly Jenna Ortega, who plays the lead role of a brainy teen seductress with wit and verve.

From New York Times

Despite its global reputation as a place full of brainy innovators, Washington never had particularly high rates of college-going and always lagged national averages.

From Seattle Times

The brainy birds can learn to recognize colors and shapes, manipulate objects, build large vocabularies and make their needs known at improbably high volumes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• brilliant