Sharp

/ʃɑːp/

Last Updated: January 2, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Scrabble:10 ptsWWF:10 pts5 letters

Definition of Sharp

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.
"The pitch pipe sounded out a perfect F♯ (F sharp)."
A note that is played a semitone higher than usual; denoted by the name of the note that is followed by the symbol ♯.
A note that is sharp in a particular key.
"The piece was difficult to read after it had been transposed, since in the new key many notes were sharps."
The scale having a particular sharp note as its tonic.
"Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is written in C♯ minor (C sharp minor.)"
(usually in the plural) Something that is sharp.
"Place sharps in the specially marked red container for safe disposal."

To raise the pitch of a note half a step making a natural note a sharp.
"That new musician must be tone deaf: he sharped half the notes of the song!"
To play tricks in bargaining; to act the sharper.

Terminating in a point or edge, especially one that can cut easily; not obtuse or rounded.
"A face with sharp features"
Intelligent.
"My nephew is a sharp lad; he can count to 100 in six languages, and he's only five years old."
Higher than usual by one semitone (denoted by the symbol ♯ after the name of the note).
Higher in pitch than required.
"The orchestra's third violin several times was sharp about an eighth of a tone."
Having an intense, acrid flavour.
"Milly couldn't stand sharp cheeses when she was pregnant, because they made her nauseated."

To a point or edge; piercingly; eagerly; sharply.
(notcomp) Exactly.
"I'll see you at twelve o'clock sharp."
In a higher pitch than is correct or desirable.
"I didn't enjoy the concert much because the tenor kept going sharp on the high notes."