elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈe-li-gən(t)s How to pronounce elegance (audio)
1
a
: refined grace or dignified propriety : urbanity
b
: tasteful richness of design or ornamentation
the sumptuous elegance of the furnishings
c
: dignified gracefulness or restrained beauty of style : polish
the essay is marked by lucidity, wit, and elegance
d
: scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity
the elegance of a mathematical proof
2
: something that is elegant

Examples of elegance in a Sentence

the elegance of the hotel's French furnishings
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.
Deserts, Safaris And Starlit Skies Aboard An African Luxury Rail Journey A luxury train, evoking the charm of old-world elegance, awaits its guests in Pretoria, ready to take them on an over 2,000-mile journey through Southern Africa and Namibia. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Related Articles The collection itself embodies Giambattista Valli’s signature blend of effortless elegance and ethereal fantasy, including the ideal wedding guest dresses and fashions for formal summer occasions. Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a house tour. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025 The band played everything a little slower, and the songs drifted through the theatre with a dazed elegance. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elegance

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of elegance was circa 1510

Cite this Entry

“Elegance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elegance. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

elegance

noun
el·​e·​gance ˈel-i-gən(t)s How to pronounce elegance (audio)
1
: gracefulness of style or movement
2
: decoration or design that is rich but in good taste

More from Merriam-Webster on elegance

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