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

• graceful
• handsome
• fine

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

Find it at a casual affair or on the elegant Thanksgiving buffet. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

The living room’s elegant bay window frames Victorian architecture just across the road, and allows natural light to flood in. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025

It’s anchored by the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, an elegant yet relaxed spot with great dining choices and easy access to the new terrain. —Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025

Comfortable and elegant, they can be easily styled with romantic dresses, skirts that defy proportions, and vintage-style jeans. —Alex Sales, Glamour, 12 Oct. 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