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Definition of nifty

nifty

/ˈnɪf.ti/
nif · ty
Adverb:niftily
•
Plural:nifties
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nifty Lexical Profile

nifty Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Particularly good, skillful, effective, or useful, especially in a clever or compact way.

Example

"The engineer demonstrated a nifty little gadget that automatically sorts coins by denomination."

2

Stylish, smart, or fashionable in appearance.

Example

"He showed up to the summer festival wearing a nifty straw hat and a linen jacket."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

North American A clever, witty, or neatly turned remark, joke, or item.

Example

"The veteran comedian opened his set with a couple of quick nifties that immediately won over the audience."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for nifty

• Nearby Words

nierembergia
niftily
niftiness
nifty
nigella
niger
nigeria

Word Origin & Etymology

First attested in mid-19th-century American theatrical slang; the popular writer Bret Harte suggested it derived from the word 'magnificent', though its exact origin remains uncertain.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nifty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nifty
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