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

When only the most polished versions will do, look for an elegant almond-shape toe, a slight Cuban-style heel, and a high shine—like this take from Berluti, with a two-tone treatment of black and petrol blue. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025

Flavors include a mid palate rodeo of treacle, cep mushrooms, black Dutch licorice and an elegant flush of black berries, red currants and brownies. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Its lower floors featured elegant communal parlors for entertaining guests, while the upper floors housed more modest sleeping quarters. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

This elegant, spare picture doesn’t hammer away at its message. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Mar. 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