witty

[ wit-ee ]

adjective

, wit·ti·er, wit·ti·est.

1. possessing wit in speech or writing; amusingly clever in perception and expression:

   a witty writer.

   Synonyms: brilliant, original, funny, droll

   Antonyms: stupid, dull

2. characterized by wit:

   a witty remark.

   Synonyms: brilliant, original, funny, droll

   Antonyms: stupid, dull

3. British Dialect. intelligent; clever

witty

/ ˈwɪtɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by clever humour or wit
2. archaic.
   intelligent or sensible

Derived Forms

• ˈwittily, adverb
• ˈwittiness, noun

Other Words From

• wit·ti·ly adverb
• wit·ti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of witty¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English wittig originally, “wise”; wit ¹, -y ¹

Synonym Study

See humorous ¹.

Example Sentences

“It’s been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show... I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”

From BBC

During the proceedings, which were broadcast on national television, Bawumia came across as witty and unflustered by the relentless, days-long cross-examination.

From BBC

“Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host — he is incredibly witty, charismatic and funny and has proven himself to be a master of live event television,” the show’s executive producers, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The bar facing the US consulate in Jerusalem is called Deja Bu - a witty reference to something you’ve drunk before.

From BBC

Jeremy Dauber’s ‘American Scary’ is a thorough, witty, enlightening survey of our fascination with horror in all its forms and its intimate relationship with reality.

From Los Angeles Times