sharp Definition

sharp
adj

1. Having a thin edge or point that cuts or pierces.

Thesaurus: honed, edged, fine, cutting, pointed, barbed, thorny, spiky; Antonym: dull, blunt.
2. Having a bitter pungent taste.
3. Severely or harshly felt; penetrating.

Example: sharp pain
4. Sudden and acute.

Example: sharp increases
Example: a sharp bend
5. Abrupt or harsh in speech; sarcastic.

Thesaurus: caustic, biting, acrimonious, sarcastic, crafty, sly, acerbic, acrid, bitter, tart, trenchant.
6. Easily perceived; clear-cut or well-defined.

Example: a sharp contrast
7. Keen or perceptive.

Thesaurus: clever, astute, alert, discerning, nimble-witted, observant, keen, bright, intelligent; Antonym: slow, stupid.
8. Eager; alert to one's own interests.
9. Barely honest; cunning.
10. Fit; adept or able.
11. Having abrupt or acute corners.
12. colloq
Stylish.
Example: a sharp dresser
13. music.
Higher in pitch by a semitone. Compare flat¹ (adj 11b).
Example: C sharp
14. music.
Slightly too high in pitch.

noun

1. music.
A note raised by a semitone, or the sign indicating this (♯).
2. music.
The key producing this note.
3. colloq
A practised cheat; a sharper.
Example: a card sharp
4. A long slender needle.
5. The hard parts of wheat.

Form: sharps

adverb

1. Punctually; on the dot.

Example: at 9 o'clock sharp
2. Suddenly.

Example: pulled up sharp
3. music.
High or too high in pitch.

Derivative: sharply
adverb

Derivative: sharpness
noun

Idiom: at the sharp end

In the position of greatest difficulty, pressure, danger, stress, etc in any activity or situation.

Idiom: look sharp

colloq
To hurry up; to be quick.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon scearp.