noun
smarts
Smarts (noun) means Intelligence or practical know-how. Example: “It takes real business smarts to survive in that industry.”
noun
1
Intelligence or practical know-how.
"It takes real business smarts to survive in that industry."
How to use smarts
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCleverness or savvy, especially practical intelligence.
When to use it
Informal — common in everyday speech rather than formal writing.
Common pairings
street smarts
business smarts
book smarts
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It takes real business _____ to survive in that industry.
Rhymes for smarts
See all rhymes for smarts →Frequently asked questions
What does “smarts” mean?
The word “smarts” means intelligence or practical know-how. In plain terms, cleverness or savvy, especially practical intelligence.
How do you use “smarts” in a sentence?
Here is “smarts” used in a sentence: “It takes real business smarts to survive in that industry.”
What part of speech is “smarts”?
“Smarts” is a noun.
What is the meaning of smarts?
"smarts" (noun) means intelligence or practical know-how.