Definition of dainty
dainties
1a : something delicious to the taste a London dainty—a pyramid of jelly — Virginia Woolfb : something choice or pleasing
2 obsolete : fastidiousness
Explore M-W
Examples of dainty in a Sentence
the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry
Origin and Etymology of dainty
Middle English deinte high esteem, delight, from Anglo-French deinté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas dignity, worth
dainty
Definition of dainty
daintier
;daintiest
1a : tasting good : tasty dainty morselsb : attractively prepared and served dainty sandwiches on silver trays
2 : marked by delicate or diminutive beauty, form, or grace dainty teacups took a dainty sip
3 obsolete : chary, reluctant … let us not be dainty of leave-taking … — Shakespeare
4a : marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky tasteb : showing avoidance of anything rough gentry too dainty to risk blisters on their hands — G. W. Johnson
Examples of dainty in a Sentence
Her hair was decorated with dainty pink flowers.
the girl's dainty little hands
The dancers' dainty steps were followed by a series of leaps.
She took a dainty sip of tea from her teacup.
They served dainty sandwiches on silver trays.
The food was served in dainty portions.
Origin and Etymology of dainty
see 1dainty
Synonym Discussion of dainty
DAINTY Defined for English Language Learners
dainty
Definition of dainty for English Language Learners
-
: small and pretty
-
: done with small and careful movements
-
of food : attractive and served in small amounts
DAINTY Defined for Kids
Definition of dainty for Students
daintier
;daintiest
1 : tasting good
2 : pretty in a delicate way dainty flowers
3 : having or showing delicate or finicky taste He is a dainty eater.
daintily
\ˈdān-tə-lē\ adverbLearn More about dainty
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dainty Spanish Central: Translation of dainty Nglish: Translation of dainty for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dainty for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dainty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!