elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈe-li-gən(t)s 

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

• elegancy
• majesty
• refinement
• gracefulness

Examples of elegance in a Sentence

the elegance of the hotel's French furnishings

Recent Examples on the Web

Federer, whose single-handed backhand is part of the reason he is viewed as the epitome of tennis elegance, has become an unofficial spokesperson for the shot. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Her own loss drives her desire to add a sense of elegance and peacefulness to her creations. — Yvonne Villasenor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem went for classic Hollywood elegance on Tuesday. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Throughout the financial troubles that the couple face given Fyodor’s inability to deliver pages, Szumowska and Englert feature scatological humor that further dissolves any notions of elegance associated with 19th-century Europe. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈel-i-gən(t)s 

1

: gracefulness of style or movement

2

: decoration or design that is rich but in good taste