mother wit

noun

: natural wit or intelligence

Examples of mother wit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But their ingenuity, mother wit and good common sense made them masters in their profession without the aid of measuring spoons and cups, modern equipment or science. Hannah Giorgis, Bon Appetit, 19 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mother wit was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mother wit

Cite this Entry

“Mother wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother%20wit. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on mother wit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!