elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈe-li-gənt How to pronounce elegant (audio)
Synonyms of elegant
1
: marked by elegance
elegant clothes
an elegant solution
2
: of a high grade or quality : splendid
elegant gems priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars
elegantly adverb

Synonyms of elegant

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choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

Examples of elegant in a Sentence

an elegant solution to the problem the most elegant First Lady in the nation's history
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.
Drawing on the rich architectural heritage here, magnificent historic properties have been turned into elegant boutique hotels, not only in the capital but also in tranquil villages across the island. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026 The main residence’s elegant upper portion was built between 2008 and 2010, and a pool and pool house — which presents itself more as a municipal recreation center — were added in 2024. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 When Rocco Forte took over in the early 2000s, the company returned the hotel to its original glory, with elegant suites decorated with prints and patterns and a restaurant serving impeccable Mediterranean cuisine by Fulvio Pierangelini. — Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 For the occasion, Clooney opted for an elegant and polished look that was suited to the Venetian setting. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elegant

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin elegant-, elegans; akin to Latin eligere to select — more at elect

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elegant was in the 15th century

Rhymes for elegant

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Browse Nearby Words

elegancy
elegant
elegante
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

elegant

adjective
el·​e·​gant ˈel-i-gənt How to pronounce elegant (audio)
1
: having or showing elegance
2
: of excellent quality : splendid
elegantly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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