Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » sharp
sharp
Sharp means having a point or edge that is good for cutting or a sudden change.
(adjective)- An example of something sharp is a knife.
- An example of sharp used as an adjective is the phrase a sharp turn which means a turn that suddenly changes direction.
Sharp is defined as exactly.
(adverb)An example of sharp used as an adverb is to arrive somewhere at a certain time, like two o'clock sharp.
The definition of a sharp is something with a pointed end.
(noun)An example of a sharp is a needle.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
See sharp in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adjective
- suitable for use in cutting or piercing; having a very thin edge or fine point; keen
- having a point or edge; not rounded or blunt; peaked: a sharp ridge, features, etc.
- not gradual; abrupt; acute: a sharp turn
- clearly defined; distinct; clear: a sharp contrast
- made up of hard, angular particles, as sand
- quick, acute, or penetrating in perception or intellect; specif.,
- acutely sensitive in seeing, hearing, etc.
- clever; shrewd
- showing or having a keen awareness; attentive; vigilant: a sharp lookout
- crafty; designing; underhanded
- harsh, biting, or severe: a sharp temper, criticism, etc.
- violent or impetuous; sudden and forceful: a sharp attack
- brisk; active; vigorous: a sharp run
- having a keen effect on the senses or feelings; specif.,
- severe; intense; acute; keen: a sharp pain, grief, appetite, etc.
- strong; biting; pungent, as in taste or smell
- high-pitched; shrill: a sharp sound
- brilliant; intense: a sharp flash of light
- cold and cutting: a sharp wind
- Slang attractively or stylishly dressed or groomed
- Music
- higher in pitch by a half step: C sharp (C)
- out of tune by being above the true or proper pitch
Origin: ME < OE scearp, akin to Ger scharf, ON skarpr < IE *(s)kerb(h)- < base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear, harvest, L caro, flesh
adverb
- in a sharp manner; specif.,
- abruptly or briskly
- attentively or alertly
- so as to have a sharp point or edge
- keenly; piercingly
- Music above the true or proper pitch
- precisely; exactly: one o'clock sharp
noun
- a sewing needle with an extremely fine point
- Informal an expert or adept
- Informal shark, sharper
- Music
- a note or tone one half step above another
- the sign () indicating such a note
transitive verb
Music to make sharp; raise a half step
intransitive verb
Music to sing or play above the true or proper pitch
See sharp in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adjective sharp·er, sharp·est
- Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for or capable of cutting or piercing.
- a. Having clear form and detail: a sharp photographic image.b. Terminating in an edge or a point: sharp angular cliffs; a sharp nose.c. Clearly and distinctly set forth: sharp contrasts in behavior.
- Abrupt or acute: a sharp drop; a sharp turn.
- a. Intellectually penetrating; astute.b. Marked by keenness and accuracy of perception: sharp hearing.
- Crafty or deceitful, as in business dealings: sharp selling practices.
- Vigilant; alert: kept a sharp lookout for shoplifters.
- a. Briskly or keenly cold and cutting: a sharp wind.b. Harsh or biting in tone or character: sharp criticism.
- Fierce or impetuous; violent: a sharp temper; a sharp assault.
- Intense; severe: a sharp pain.
- a. Sudden and shrill: a sharp whistle.b. Sudden and brilliant or dazzling: a sharp flash of lightning.
- Strongly affecting the senses of smell and taste: a sharp pungent odor; a sharp cheese.
- Composed of hard angular particles: sharp sand.
- Music a. Raised in pitch by a semitone.b. Being above the proper pitch.c. Having the key signature in sharps.
- Informal Attractive or stylish: a sharp jacket. See Synonyms at fashionable.
- In a sharp manner: hit me sharp on the brow.
- Punctually; exactly: at three o'clock sharp.
- Music Above the true or proper pitch.
- Music a. A sign (♯) used to indicate that a note is to be raised by a half step.b. A note that is raised a half step.
- A slender sewing needle with a very fine point.
- Informal a. An expert.b. A shrewd cheater; a sharper.
Music verb, transitive
To raise in pitch by a semitone.
verb, intransitive To play or sing above the proper pitch.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English scharp
Origin: , from Old English scearp; see sker-1 in Indo-European roots
.Related Forms:
- sharpˈly adverb
- sharpˈness noun
American biochemist who shared a 1993 Nobel prize for discovering that some genes contain sequences, known as introns, that do not function as codes for the formation of a protein.
Learn more about sharp
