elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈe-li-gən(t)s How to pronounce elegance (audio)
Synonyms of elegance
1
a
: refined grace or dignified propriety : urbanity
b
: tasteful richness of design or ornamentation
the sumptuous elegance of the furnishings
c
: dignified gracefulness or restrained beauty of style : polish
the essay is marked by lucidity, wit, and elegance
d
: scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity
the elegance of a mathematical proof
2
: something that is elegant

Synonyms of elegance

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Examples of elegance in a Sentence

the elegance of the hotel's French furnishings
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.
All four movies exhibit Mackenzie’s knack for trenchant social and political commentary slightly heightened by his elegance as a dramatist and visceral genre filmmaker, and all are accompanied by illuminating supplements. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026 There was elegance in the white room’s plainness, and it could be embraced by everyone without drawing attention to stark lines of class. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Morris says this shade adds drama and elegance without overwhelming the room, while also elevating the architecture. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 More mature than the party hordes that roam this part of town, the vibe here is the casual elegance that blends drinking rum out of a pineapple while retaining your sophistication while doing it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elegance

Word History

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Time Traveler
The first known use of elegance was in 1504

Browse Nearby Words

eleemosynary corporation
elegance
elegancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elegance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elegance. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

elegance

noun
el·​e·​gance ˈel-i-gən(t)s How to pronounce elegance (audio)
1
: gracefulness of style or movement
2
: decoration or design that is rich but in good taste
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