delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
dē-
: highly pleasing
a delightful surprise
enjoyed a delightful brunch
delightfully adverb
delightfulness noun

Examples of delightful in a Sentence

It has been delightful meeting you. That was a delightful party.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yankee Candle 22-Ounce Autumn Wreath Candle Nothing compares to the smells of fall, but this delightful candle comes pretty close. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Although wordless, the book offers an engaging journey that ends in a delightful surprise—sure to satisfy even the pickiest young critic. Air Mail, 4 Oct. 2025 The nocturnal creature, known for its elusive nature, was a delightful surprise for the conservationists monitoring the area. Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Those initial parent-child interactions with all those awkward silences were delightful. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delightful

Word History

Etymology

see delight entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delightful was circa 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightful. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

delightful

adjective
de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
: highly pleasing : giving delight
delightfully adverb
delightfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on delightful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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