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

For two teams that can score points in bunches, there was little elegance for much of their first meeting since the 2012 NCAA tourney, when the Wildcats beat Iowa State in the second round on their way to winning the national championship. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

After the opening of their downtown Bleecker Street location, this move uptown feels like a natural evolution—bridging easygoing California elegance with a sense of East Coast prim and polish. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026

Philip Johnson’s 1961 building, made of Texas shellstone, offers sweeping skyline views and simple elegance. —Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026

Hollywood transitioned from Cary Grant's elegance to Dustin Hoffman's awkwardness. —Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 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