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

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."

Informal slang and insider talk used among carnival workers.

"He picked up a bit of carny while working the fairground one summer."

verb

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 notes

In 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.

Word Forms

carnied past tense, carnies plural, carnies singular

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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.

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.