adj.
Pronunciation: ' ärt-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1609
1 : performed with or showing art or skill <an artful performance on the violin>
2 a : using or characterized by art and skill : DEXTEROUS <an artful prose stylist> b : adroit in attaining an end usually by insinuating or indirect means : WILY <an artful cross-examiner>
3 : ARTIFICIAL <trim walks and artful bowers ― William Wordsworth>
synonyms see SLY
– art · ful · ly \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– art · ful · ness noun