elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈe-li-gən(t)s 

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

Synonyms of elegance

• elegancy
• majesty
• refinement
• gracefulness

Examples of elegance in a Sentence

the elegance of the hotel's French furnishings

Recent Examples on the Web

The ashtrays on display include Art Deco elegance in bronze, mid-century color pops, and even an entry from Picasso for Madoura — a bid by the artist to make his work more accessible to regular people by way of ceramics. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 7 Feb. 2026

The Princess of Wales, no stranger to the UK's rainy weather and rural terrain, stepped out late last month in a look that's lesson in how functionality can be transformed into elegance. —Alex Sales, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026

On the street, the Mazda3 hatchback carries itself with a restrained yet purposeful elegance. —New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026

Its clean lines and understated elegance perfectly matched the era’s shift toward polished, unfussy dressing that still flattered the feminine form. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

elegance

noun

el·​e·​gance ˈel-i-gən(t)s 

1

: gracefulness of style or movement

2

: decoration or design that is rich but in good taste