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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like smarts.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It takes real business _____ to survive in that industry.
Antonyms
Related words
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.
