discreet

adjective

dis·​creet di-ˈskrēt How to pronounce discreet (audio)
1
: having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent
especially : capable of preserving prudent silence
2
: unpretentious, modest
the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized homeJoseph Wechsberg
3
: unobtrusive, unnoticeable
followed at a discreet distance
discreetly adverb
discreetness noun

Examples of discreet in a Sentence

For a couple who wanted a discreet bar between the study and the living room, Quogue, New York, architect Stuart Disston designed a small-scale bar that's hidden behind … doors under the stairs and takes advantage of plumbing in an adjacent powder room. Sallie Brady, This Old House, January/February 2006
Without the knowledge of the exiled African National Congress leadership, he entered into a discreet dialogue with the South African government—which was reaching a similar conclusion. He later succeeded in convincing suspicious comrades of the need for a negotiated solution. F. W. De Klerk, Time, 18 Apr. 2005
The New York Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has proposed a rule that would bar a stock-market analyst from talking to newspapers that fail to disclose the analyst's conflicts of interest. Even the C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, one of Wall Street's most discreet firms, has chimed in … and has extorted his peers to restore "trust in our system." New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2002
Discreet disclaimers by the tourist board to the effect that "there is no evidence whatever that Prince Vlad Tepes (TSEH-pesh), or Vlad the Impaler, inhabited the castle" do nothing to discourage its notoriety as Dracula's reputed residence. Mythically, at least, this is in fact where he lived—and always will. Erik Sandberg-Diment, New York Times, 21 June 1998
he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the 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.
Up above, there’s a sweeping grand staircase ascending to the second floor revealing a semi-private dining area for over 40 guests and a private dining room for up to 20 with additional access via a discreet VIP entrance. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 But while Vevers is a two-time CFDA award winner — for Accessory Designer of the Year in 2017 and for the Innovation Award last year — his industry profile remains more discreet than newer, smaller designers. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025 Reynolds says that the Assistant Director eventually realized that Reynolds was responsible, but advised him to remain discreet. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Nursing pads are discreet inserts that slip into your tank top or bra to absorb any breast milk that’s leaking and threatening to soak through your bra or clothing. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discreet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discrete, discret, discreet "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of discernere "to separate, distinguish" — more at discern

Note: See note at discrete.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discreet was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discreet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discreet. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

discreet

adjective
dis·​creet dis-ˈkrēt How to pronounce discreet (audio)
: having or showing good judgment especially in conduct or speech
discreetly adverb
discreetness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on discreet

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