smirk

1 of 2

noun

ˈsmərk 

plural smirks

: a smile that shows a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied attitude

A former prosecutor, she deploys an interrogation style that is impatient and knowing, almost amused. The eyebrows go up, a faint smirk plays around the lips: you might as well fess up.

—Dana Goodyear

As Frank Cross, the arrogant and abusive television network programming exec in this uproarious update of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, [Bill] Murray offers viewers everything they like about him—sarcastic smirks, disgusted eye-rolls.

—Doug Brod

And while circulation is certainly declining, nearly 50 million people in the U.S. still buy a daily newspaper. So wipe that smirk off your face, Web triumphalists.

—Jennifer Saba

smirk

2 of 2

verb

smirked; smirking; smirks

1

intransitive : to smile in a smug, condescending, or self-satisfied way

"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking.

—J. K. Rowling

Cluny lay back and smirked. Everything was going according to plan.

—Brian Jacques

Some Americans from "old" families likewise smirked behind their napkins at the arriviste's fancy new silver-plate fish set …

—Douglas Brenner

… they're smirking about the very idea of political seriousness.

—Kurt Andersen

"Yeah, sure, Ma," I'd say, smirking and rolling my eyes at my husband.

—Anna Marie Dell'oso

2

transitive : to say or express (something) with a smirk

"No problem," he smirked when I apologized for my wimpiness.

—Michael Behar

Examples of smirk in a Sentence

Verb

She tried not to smirk when they announced the winner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As if to commemorate the moment, Melania released her official White House portrait on Monday, standing at the end of a table, hands braced on its surface, a knowing smirk on her face, staring straight into the camera. —Dan Alexander, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025

At the end of the clip, Kardashian finally stumbles upon Santa, and the camera turns around to reveal Culkin dressed as St. Nick, holding an old VHS camera and offering an unsettling smirk. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024

Verb

For as much as Soderbergh has been credited with helping to elevate George Clooney’s film career — creating the right platform for his suave, slightly smirking silver-screen persona — not enough has been said about the rapport he’s had with Clooney’s Ocean’s costar. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025

Standing next to the stage five years later, Vrabel smirked. —Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of smirk entry 2

Verb

Middle English, from Old English smearcian to smile; akin to Old English smerian to laugh

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing smirk

• wipe that smirk off your face

Kids Definition

smirk

verb

ˈsmərk 

: to smile in an insincere or smug manner

smirk noun