Definition of "wit" in English

noun

1. (now usually in the plural) Sanity.

   • He's gone completely out of his wits.

2. (obsolete, usually in the plural) The senses.

3. Intellectual ability; faculty of thinking, reasoning.

   • Where she has gone to is beyond the wit of man to say.

4. The ability to think quickly; mental cleverness, especially under short time constraints.

   • My father had a quick wit and a steady hand.

5. Intelligence; common sense.

   • The opportunity was right in front of you, and you didn't even have the wit to take it!

6. Humour, especially when clever or quick.

   • The best man's speech was hilarious, full of wit and charm.

7. A person who tells funny anecdotes or jokes; someone witty.

   • Your friend is quite a wit, isn't he?

verb

1. (ambitransitive, obsolete except in to wit) To know, be aware of (constructed with of when used intransitively).

   • You committed terrible actions — to wit, murder and theft — and should be punished accordingly.
   • They are meddling in matters that men should not wit of.

preposition

1. (Southern US) Pronunciation spelling of with.