sharp

B1
Pronunciation
/ʃɑːp/
/ʃɑɹp/
Noun
11 definition(s)
1 Definition

The symbol ♯, placed after the name of a note in the key signature or before a note on the staff to indicate that the note is to be played a semitone higher.

Example Sentences
  • The pitch pipe sounded out a perfect F♯ (F sharp).
2 Definition

A note that is played a semitone higher than usual; denoted by the name of the note that is followed by the symbol ♯.

3 Definition

A note that is sharp in a particular key.

Example Sentences
  • The piece was difficult to read after it had been transposed, since in the new key many notes were sharps.
4 Definition

The scale having a particular sharp note as its tonic.

Example Sentences
  • Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is written in C♯ minor (C sharp minor.)
5 Definition

(usually in the plural) Something that is sharp.

Example Sentences
  • Place sharps in the specially marked red container for safe disposal.
6 Definition

A dishonest person; a cheater.

Example Sentences
  • The casino kept in the break room a set of pictures of known sharps for the bouncers to see.
7 Definition

Part of a stream where the water runs very rapidly.

8 Definition

A sewing needle with a very slender point, more pointed than a blunt or a between.

9 Definition

(in the plural) Fine particles of husk mixed with coarse particle of flour of cereals; middlings.

10 Definition

An expert.

11 Definition

A sharpie (member of Australian gangs of the 1960s and 1970s).

Verb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

To raise the pitch of a note half a step making a natural note a sharp.

Example Sentences
  • That new musician must be tone deaf: he sharped half the notes of the song!
2 Definition

To play tricks in bargaining; to act the sharper.

3 Definition

To sharpen.

Adjective
22 definition(s)
1 Definition

Terminating in a point or edge, especially one that can cut easily; not obtuse or rounded.

Example Sentences
  • A face with sharp features
2 Definition

Intelligent.

Example Sentences
  • My nephew is a sharp lad; he can count to 100 in six languages, and he's only five years old.
3 Definition

Higher than usual by one semitone (denoted by the symbol ♯ after the name of the note).

4 Definition

Higher in pitch than required.

Example Sentences
  • The orchestra's third violin several times was sharp about an eighth of a tone.
5 Definition

Having an intense, acrid flavour.

Example Sentences
  • Milly couldn't stand sharp cheeses when she was pregnant, because they made her nauseated.
6 Definition

Sudden and intense.

Example Sentences
  • A pregnant woman during labor normally experiences a number of sharp contractions.
7 Definition

Illegal or dishonest.

Example Sentences
  • Michael had a number of sharp ventures that he kept off the books.
8 Definition

Keenly or unduly attentive to one's own interests; shrewd.

Example Sentences
  • a sharp dealer;  a sharp customer
9 Definition

Exact, precise, accurate; keen.

Example Sentences
  • You'll need sharp aim to make that shot.
10 Definition

Offensive, critical, or acrimonious.

Example Sentences
  • When the two rivals met, first there were sharp words, and then a fight broke out.
11 Definition

Stylish or attractive.

Example Sentences
  • You look so sharp in that tuxedo!
12 Definition

Observant; alert; acute.

Example Sentences
  • Keep a sharp watch on the prisoners. I don't want them to escape!
13 Definition

Forming a small angle; especially, forming an angle of less than ninety degrees.

Example Sentences
  • Drive down Main for three quarters of a mile, then make a sharp right turn onto Pine.
14 Definition

Steep; precipitous; abrupt.

Example Sentences
  • a sharp ascent or descent; a sharp turn or curve
15 Definition

(of a statement) Said of as extreme a value as possible.

Example Sentences
  • Sure, any planar graph can be five-colored. But that result is not sharp: in fact, any planar graph can be four-colored. That is sharp: the same can't be said for any lower number.
16 Definition

Tactical; risky.

17 Definition

Piercing; keen; severe; painful.

Example Sentences
  • a sharp pain; the sharp and frosty winter air
18 Definition

Eager or keen in pursuit; impatient for gratification.

Example Sentences
  • a sharp appetite
19 Definition

Fierce; ardent; fiery; violent; impetuous.

20 Definition

Composed of hard, angular grains; gritty.

21 Definition

Uttered in a whisper, or with the breath alone; aspirated; unvoiced.

22 Definition

Hungry.

Adverb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

To a point or edge; piercingly; eagerly; sharply.

2 Definition

(notcomp) Exactly.

Example Sentences
  • I'll see you at twelve o'clock sharp.
3 Definition

In a higher pitch than is correct or desirable.

Example Sentences
  • I didn't enjoy the concert much because the tenor kept going sharp on the high notes.