wise man

noun

1
: a man of unusual learning, judgment, or insight : sage
2
: a man versed in esoteric lore (as of magic or astrology)
especially : magus sense 1b

Examples of wise man 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.
The wise men who lived in a world of white wigs, muskets, and nonvoting women embraced change. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025 What if the wise men kept walking after Jesus’s birth? Bluesky Social, 4 Mar. 2025 As that wise man once said, anything less than the best is a felony. Loz Blain july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025 Alas, a wise man once said defense wins championships. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise man

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wise man was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wise man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wise%20man. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Wiseman

biographical name

Wise·​man ˈwīz-mən How to pronounce Wiseman (audio)
Nicholas Patrick Stephen 1802–1865 English cardinal and author

More from Merriam-Webster on wise man

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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