[also more sharp; most sharp] 1 : having a thin edge that is able to cut things or a fine point that is able to make a hole in things
▪ a sharp knife/pencil ▪ sharp teeth/claws — opposite blunt, dull; see also razor-sharp 2 a : sudden and quick
▪ a sharp drop/rise/decrease/increase in temperature ▪ a sharp break from tradition [=a sudden change from the traditional way of doing things]
b : involving a sudden change in direction
▪ He took a sharp left turn. ▪ a sharp curve in the road 3 a : clear and easy to see
▪ a sharp image/picture/photograph [=an image/picture/photograph in which the small details can be clearly seen]
b : very noticeable
▪ a sharp difference/distinction ▪ Her cheerful mood stands in sharp contrast to her dreary surroundings. 4 : having or showing a quick ability to notice and understand things
▪ a sharp student ▪ sharp questions ▪ You have sharp eyes. 5 : very sudden and severe
▪ a sharp pain ▪ a sharp disappointment 6 : critical or harsh
▪ a sharp reply/attack/criticism/rebuke ▪ He was very sharp with her. [=he spoke to her in a very harsh way] ▪ She has a sharp tongue. [=she tends to say very critical things to people] 7 : loud, short, and sudden
▪ a sharp noise 8 of cheese : having a strong odor and flavor
▪ sharp cheddar cheese 9 : very strong and cold
▪ a sharp, biting wind 10 disapproving : clever in a bad or dishonest way
▪ sharp business practices 11 : ending in a point or edge
▪ a sharp nose ▪ sharp mountain peaks 12 informal : stylish or fashionable
▪ He's a sharp dresser. ▪ a sharp outfit ▪ You're looking very sharp today. 13 music a : higher than the true pitch
▪ Her singing was slightly sharp.
b : higher than a specified note by a semitone
▪ F sharp — compare ¹flat 10, ¹natural 8