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dapper

adjective
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dap·​per | \ ˈda-pər How to pronounce dapper (audio) \

Definition of dapper

1a : neat and trim in appearance looked very dapper in their uniforms
b : very spruce and stylish a dapper new suit
2 : alert and lively in movement and manners a dapper old gentleman
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Other Words from dapper

dapperly adverb
dapperness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for dapper

Synonyms

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Examples of dapper in a Sentence

The students all looked very dapper in their uniforms. the dapper gentleman drew admiring glances from all over the ballroom
Recent Examples on the Web This night, one of his guests is an elderly, dapper gentleman named Plennie Wingo. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Untold Stories: The day Plennie Wingo changed Scott Ostler’s journalism career," 3 May 2020 Actor and choreographer Darnell Pierre Benjamin is one of those people who manages to look dapper even when he is dressed down. — David Lyman, Cincinnati.com, "Express yourself with fun, fashionable face masks," 7 May 2020 Lined with fuzzy lamb's wool and featuring a non-skid rubber sole, these are the ultimate house slipper for the dapper dude in your life. — Anna Heyman, USA TODAY, "The 20 best Christmas gifts for dads and husbands," 29 Oct. 2019 Clearly a fashion fan himself, Hawke has accompanied his mother to Prada shows in New York sporting very dapper bespoke tailoring by the Italian house. — Liam Hess, Vogue, "Uma Thurman and Her Son Stole the Show at Dior Couture in Paris," 20 Jan. 2020 His fresh Celine by Hedi Slimane tux with its red flower on the lapel was dapper and delightful on the red carpet. — Carly Mallenbaum, USA TODAY, "2020 Oscars men's fashion: 8 men who proved that 'formal attire' doesn't mean 'boring'," 10 Feb. 2020 Turner, 23, was clad in sleek black dress and festive headpiece while Joe, 30, wore a similarly dark and dapper suit. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, "Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Ring in 2020 with Onstage Kiss — Plus Brother Nick and Priyanka Join!," 1 Jan. 2020 Both Jim and Deacon looked dapper in their suits, and Ava totally stunned in a lace dress which was complemented by her loose waves. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Reese Witherspoon and Her Husband Were Caught Packing on the PDA in a Rare Photo," 14 Dec. 2019 In a bright neon green, Lil Nas X looked dapper, styling his cropped jacket with a bold zebra-print top underneath. — Vogue, "Lil Nas X Brings the Unlikeliest Accessory to the AMAs Red Carpet," 25 Nov. 2019

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

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First Known Use of dapper

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for dapper

Middle English dapyr, from Middle Dutch dapper quick, strong; akin to Old High German tapfar heavy, Old Church Slavonic debelŭ thick

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Time Traveler for dapper

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The first known use of dapper was in the 15th century

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Statistics for dapper

Last Updated

12 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Dapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dapper. Accessed 4 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for dapper

dapper

adjective
How to pronounce dapper (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of dapper

somewhat old-fashioned
: having a neat appearance : dressed in attractive clothes
of clothing : attractive and of high quality

See the full definition for dapper in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dapper

adjective
dap·​per | \ ˈda-pər How to pronounce dapper (audio) \

Kids Definition of dapper

: neat and trim in dress or appearance

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More from Merriam-Webster on dapper

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dapper

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with dapper

Spanish Central: Translation of dapper

Nglish: Translation of dapper for Spanish Speakers

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