delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of delightful
: highly pleasing
a delightful surprise
enjoyed a delightful brunch
delightfully
di-ˈlīt-fə-lē How to pronounce delightful (audio)
dē-
adverb
delightfulness noun

Synonyms of delightful

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Examples of delightful in a Sentence

It has been delightful meeting you. That was a delightful party.
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.
In a room filled with enough humanitarian awards, photos with legends, and travel souvenirs to fill a museum, the bike is a delightful reminder that even an American icon has to get her cardio in. — Gloria Steinem, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026 Probably not, but this Switch 2 exclusive is a no-frills co-op smorgasbord that’s delightful from start to finish. — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The delightful bonus is how the triangular craft sits nicely in a corner. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 In place of analysis, The Surrealist Menagerie provides a panoply of alternately delightful and disturbing creatures, generating unexpected pairings through its focus on the animal. — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delightful

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deliteful, from delite delight entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delightful was in the 14th century

Rhymes for delightful

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Browse Nearby Words

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delightful
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Cite this Entry

“Delightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightful. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

delightful

adjective
de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
: highly pleasing : giving delight
delightfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce delightful (audio)
adverb
delightfulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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