adj

canny

KA-nee

Canny (adj) means Shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters. Example: “She's a canny negotiator who always gets a good price.”

adj

Shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters.

"She's a canny negotiator who always gets a good price."

"His canny investment decisions paid off over the years."

British dialect, especially Northern English and Scots: pleasant, nice, or considerable.

"That was a canny bit of work, lad."

How to use canny

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCleverly practical and shrewd — good at spotting the smart move.

Common pairings

canny investor canny move canny operator

Word forms

cannier comparative, cannier comparative, Cannys plural, canniest superlative, canniest superlative

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She's a _____ negotiator who always gets a good price.

Etymology

From Northern English dialect, built on "can" in the old sense "to know how to," related to Old English cunnan.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for canny

Fanny Danny nanny manny Lanny granny cranny Franny uncanny tyranny

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Frequently asked questions

What does “canny” mean?

The word “canny” means shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters. In plain terms, cleverly practical and shrewd — good at spotting the smart move.

How do you pronounce “canny”?

“Canny” is pronounced KA-nee (/ˈkæni/ in IPA).

How do you use “canny” in a sentence?

Here is “canny” used in a sentence: “She's a canny negotiator who always gets a good price.”

What part of speech is “canny”?

“Canny” is an adjective.

Where does the word “canny” come from?

The word “canny” comes from Old English. From Northern English dialect, built on "can" in the old sense "to know how to," related to Old English cunnan.

How many meanings does “canny” have?

“Canny” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shrewd and clever, especially in practical or business matters.