Definitions for cunning

• Definition
• Anagrams (44)

cunning cun·ning

Spelling: [kuhn-ing]

IPA: /ˈkʌn ɪŋ/

Cunning is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 10 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 16 points.

You can make 44 anagrams from letters in cunning (cginnnu).

Definitions for cunning

noun

1. skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving; craftiness; guile.
2. adeptness in performance; dexterity:
3. a sealed container for food, beverages, etc., as of aluminum, sheet iron coated with tin, or other metal:
4. a receptacle for garbage, ashes, etc.:
5. a bucket, pail, or other container for holding or carrying liquids:
6. a drinking cup; tankard.
7. a metal or plastic container for holding film on cores or reels.
8. Slang: Usually Vulgar. toilet; bathroom.
9. Slang. jail:
10. Slang: Sometimes Vulgar. buttocks.
11. cans, Slang. a set of headphones designed to cover the ears. Compare earbuds.
12. Military Slang. a depth charge. a destroyer.

verb

1. Obsolete. present participle of can1 .

Idioms

1. carry the can, British and Canadian Slang. to take the responsibility.
2. in the can, recorded on film; completed:

adjective

1. showing or made with ingenuity.
2. artfully subtle or shrewd; crafty; sly.
3. Informal. charmingly cute or appealing:
4. Archaic. skillful; expert.

auxiliary verb

1. to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to:
2. to know how to:
3. to have the power or means to:
4. to have the right or qualifications to:
5. may; have permission to:
6. to have the possibility:

verb (used with object)

1. to preserve by sealing in a can, jar, etc.
2. Slang. to dismiss; fire.
3. Slang. to throw (something) away.
4. Slang. to put a stop to:
5. to record, as on film or tape.

verb (used with or without object)

1. Obsolete. to know.

Origin of cunning

1275-1325; (noun) Middle English; Old English cunnung, equivalent to cunn(an) to know (see can¹) + -ung -ing¹; (adj., v.)

Examples for cunning

I have watched them cover their tracks with a cunning more than vulpine.

But Daniel Day-Lewis is splendid as Lincoln, and Sally Field almost as good as the cunning, half-mad Mary.

The thing was outrageous to him, and he set himself to match her cunning.

Children are not idealized: they are resourceful but prickly, cunning but confused.

His next move proved that his cunning was of an exceptional order.

Cersei is cunning, focused, and power-hungry—not unlike her father and brothers.

Tranter, cunning and wary from years of fighting, knew that his chance had come.

“Ben, who was as cunning and seductive as Diane, really wooed Diane,” says an insider.

Perhaps this isn't a cunning strategy, but the failure to form one.

But she is cunning in love's ways and dulls Shakespeare's resentment with "I don't hate you."