delightful

1 of 2

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl 

dē-

: highly pleasing

a delightful surprise

enjoyed a delightful brunch

delightfully

di-ˈlīt-fə-lē 

dē-

adverb

delightfulness noun

delightfulness

2 of 2

noun

de·​light·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality of being delightful

Synonyms of delightful

Adjective

• pleasant
• delicious
• enjoyable
• nice
• sweet
• pleasing
• satisfying
• good
• heavenly
• welcome

Examples of delightful in a Sentence

Adjective

It has been delightful meeting you.

That was a delightful party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Nashville group Total Wife go off the deep end with mutant hyperpop fantasies on their delightful Come Back Down, while Phoenix’s Glixen get romantic on Quiet Pleasures. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

Moore’s Mona finds herself in the thrall of a charismatic community theater director played, in a delightful bit of typecasting, by Paul Giamatti. — John Ross, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

These companies can create delightful, contextual, authentic experiences for their fan base. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English deliteful, from delite delight entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for delightful

• insightful
• frightful
• rightful
• spiteful

Kids Definition

delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl 

: highly pleasing : giving delight

delightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

delightfulness noun