elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈe-li-gənt 

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

• classy
• courtly
• fine
• graceful
• handsome
• majestic
• refined
• stately
• tasteful

Choose the Right Synonym for elegant

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

The duo’s delicate scent is a lovely way to start the day, and feels more elegant than a lot of other shampoo and conditioner fragrances. —Allure Editors, Allure, 1 Jan. 2025

Delina has a softness to her that’s alluringly elegant without overpowering the wearer. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024

Nicola, 29, looked elegant, wearing a red corset, black leather blazer and black flared pants beside Harper, who wore a strapless maxi bodycon dress. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

But while all eyes are on the new terrain, the St. Regis Deer Valley is quietly doing what it's always done best: keeping things timeless, elegant, and refreshingly uncomplicated. —Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈel-i-gənt 

1

: having or showing elegance

2

: of excellent quality : splendid

elegantly adverb