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Definition of "canny" [can•ny]

  • Careful and shrewd, especially where one's own interests are concerned. (adjective)
  • Cautious in spending money; frugal. (adjective)
  • Scots Steady, restrained, and gentle. (adjective)
  • Scots Snug and quiet. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "canny" in a sentence
  • "As she told Glenn Campbell on Sunday, it takes a year to pass such a Bill - more than enough time, perhaps, for a certain canny First Minister to sell his idea of independence (see the quote at the top of the page) and cash in on people's lack of confidence in the Labour Party."
  • "Yet "ca'canny" is a disastrous thing to the British laborer."
  • "Known as a canny businesman with a Las Vegas address, Manny was listed as the founder and CEO of Wilkins LLC and also as the bottom-line owner of Singleatheart.com."