# smirk

/ˈsmɝk/ (US) · /smˈɜːk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smirk
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a smile that shows you are very pleased with yourself or that you find something funny in a mean way. It often looks like you are hiding a secret or making fun of someone.

For teachers: a smug, conceited, or silly smile. Often implies a sense of superiority, derision, or suppressed amusement.

## Examples

- He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
- She couldn't hide her smirk when she realized she had won the argument.
- The witness's persistent smirk during the cross-examination suggested a lack of respect for the proceedings, eventually prompting a stern warning from the judge.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.