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

To bring back that upscale aesthetic, the Casino Royal will have a dress code that requires jackets for men and elegant dress for women. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

Just last fall, the actress and entrepreneur launched her second furniture line with CB2, a collection that embodies her elegant style. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025

This 2009 Chardonnay has aged gracefully with a very complex bouquet of crème brûlée, peach cobbler and a hint of saltwater taffy with an incredible texture that gives it an overall elegant feeling and a very, very long finish laced with mineral aromas. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

For the last decade, the supermodel has served up some of the most glamorous looks, typically topped off with her long, dark hair in an elegant updo. —Marci Robin, Allure, 12 May 2025

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

Rhymes for elegant

• inelegant

Kids Definition

elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈel-i-gənt 

1

: having or showing elegance

2

: of excellent quality : splendid

elegantly adverb