noun
carny
KAH-nee
Carny (noun) means a person who works at a traveling carnival or fair, often running rides or game stalls. Example: “The carny running the ring-toss booth kept calling out to passersby.”
noun
1
A person who works at a traveling carnival or fair, often running rides or game stalls.
"The carny running the ring-toss booth kept calling out to passersby."
2
Informal slang and insider talk used among carnival workers.
"He picked up a bit of carny while working the fairground one summer."
verb
1
Informally, to persuade someone through charm, flattery, or minor trickery.
"She carnied her way past the bouncer with a smile and a fake story."
How to use carny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who works at a fairground, or the slangy patter and hustle associated with that world.
When to use it
Informal, and can carry a slightly disreputable or streetwise connotation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- carnies
- Third person singular
- carnies
- Past tense
- carnied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ running the ring-toss booth kept calling out to passersby.
Etymology
A shortened, informal form of "carnival," with the "-y" ending common in casual nicknames.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “carny” mean?
The word “carny” means a person who works at a traveling carnival or fair, often running rides or game stalls. In plain terms, someone who works at a fairground, or the slangy patter and hustle associated with that world.
How do you pronounce “carny”?
“Carny” is pronounced KAH-nee (/ˈkɑː(ɹ)ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “carny” in a sentence?
Here is “carny” used in a sentence: “The carny running the ring-toss booth kept calling out to passersby.”
What part of speech is “carny”?
Depending on how it is used, “carny” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “carny” have?
“Carny” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who works at a traveling carnival or fair, often running rides or game stalls.
