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

Baleba’s aggression out of possession does not come at the expense of his elegance with a ball at his feet. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

L’Agence’s Lian jacket called my name immediately, delivering uptown elegance with a downtown edge when styled with jeans and a white tee. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Just look to Bianca Jagger, who never did anything by halves and always found a balance between drama and elegance in her looks. — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026

In a nod to the nearby Panama Canal, the hotel’s nautical touches (like a yellow engine telegraph and black-and-white construction photos) flow well with the original French colonial design, giving the place a real sense of historical elegance. — Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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