dainty

noun dain·ty \ ˈdān-tē \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: dainty in a Sentence

Definition of dainty

plural dainties

1 a : something delicious to the taste

a London dainty—a pyramid of jelly
—Virginia Woolf

b : something choice or pleasing

2 obsolete : fastidiousness

See dainty defined for kids

Examples of dainty in a Sentence

the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry

Recent Examples of dainty from the Web

This was a dainty, pinkish-brown bean of uncommon taste and velvety texture, grown in Hidalgo.

— junot díaz, The New Yorker, "The Hunt for Mexico’s Heirloom Beans," 17 Apr. 2018
Though both have great taste in accessories, Markle often chooses dainty, gold pieces while Middleton picks timeless statements like a silver watch.

— rachel epstein, Marie Claire, "Here's the Major Difference Between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Style," 28 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dainty.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dainty

Middle English deinte high esteem, delight, from Anglo-French deinté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas dignity, worth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

dainty Synonyms

Synonyms

bit, delectable, delicacy, goody (or goodie), tidbit (also titbit), treat, viand;

Related Words

morsel;

candy, dessert, junket, sweet, sweetmeat;

dainty

adjective

Definition of dainty

daintier; daintiest

1 a : tasting good : tasty

dainty morsels

b : 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

4 a : marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky taste

b : showing avoidance of anything rough

gentry too dainty to risk blisters on their hands
—G. W. Johnson

—

daintily

play \ˈdān-tə-lē\ adverb

—

daintiness

play \ˈdān-tē-nəs\ noun

See dainty defined for English-language learners

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.

Recent Examples of dainty from the Web

Spade’s bon-vivant spirit will be remembered by all who crossed her path or had the delight to carry one of her dainty bags.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "Kate Spade Dies at 55," 5 June 2018
The dainty delights pack in all the flavor of a full-sized pie with none of the usual leftover #pieproblems.

— lauren le vine, Redbook, "Ooh, Heaven Is a Place on Earth (Specifically These 2-Bite Pies)," 27 Mar. 2014
Moments later, the bride walked down the aisle, her 16 ft train flowing behind her, while holding a dainty bouquet of flowers.

— morgan m. evans, Fox News, "Prince Harry, Meghan Markle appear to leave chapel seat open to honor Princess Diana," 19 May 2018
But critics were writing their reviews so fast that their possibly negative words would stream out via the social media foghorn even before the first dainty sandal had hit the red carpet.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Cannes 2018 Opens with a Middling Movie But a Killer Jury," 9 May 2018
In other words: There’s absolutely no room for immaculate silk dresses to change into after a workout, nor is there a place for dainty purses that can’t fit an outfit change, a makeup bag, a packed lunch, a laptop, and a book.

— ally-jane grossan, Glamour, "What a $3.99 Closet Organization App Taught Me About Money, Style, and Fulfillment," 8 May 2018
These headphones can get very loud too, despite their dainty dimensions.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "Koss Porta Pro Wireless review: a classic mistake," 3 May 2018
This is not a task for a dainty vise; use a heavy-duty bench model.

— roy berendson, Popular Mechanics, "How To Use a Cold Chisel," 27 Apr. 2018
Eveleena Fults wasn’t allowed to ride a horse and stood on stage beside the king, looking dainty.

— gabrielle russon, OrlandoSentinel.com, "The Queen is now in charge at Medieval Times," 21 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of dainty

see ¹dainty

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

dainty Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of dainty

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

DAINTY Defined for English Language Learners

dainty

adjective

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

dainty

noun dain·ty \ ˈdān-tē \

Definition of dainty for Students

plural dainties

: a delicious food : delicacy

dainty

adjective

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\ adverb

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dainty

Definition of dainty

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Origin and Etymology of dainty

dainty Synonyms

Synonyms

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dainty

Definition of dainty

daintily

daintiness

Examples of dainty in a Sentence

Recent Examples of dainty from the Web

Origin and Etymology of dainty

dainty Synonyms

Synonyms

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DAINTY Defined for English Language Learners

dainty

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dainty

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dainty

Definition of dainty for Students

daintily

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