elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈe-li-gənt 

1

: marked by elegance

elegant clothes

an elegant solution

2

: of a high grade or quality : splendid

elegant gems priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars

elegantly adverb

Synonyms of elegant

• graceful
• handsome
• fine

Choose the Right Synonym for elegant

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

Examples of elegant in a Sentence

an elegant solution to the problem

the most elegant First Lady in the nation's history

Recent Examples on the Web

The hair was much less polished, but all the more charming and elegant for it. — María Diez, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2026

Nothing can up the ambiance on a front porch quite like flickering candlelight, and these decorative metal lanterns will keep it safe and contained, all while adding an elegant touch to any decor style. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

The relaxed legs offer plenty of room to move, while the elegant pleats create a flattering drape that helps smooth visible lines. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Today’s top glosses are more elegant in texture, infused with nourishing ingredients, and don’t leave your lips feeling sticky and gooey like those of your childhood—but still give you the same beloved reflective shine and volume. — Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin elegant-, elegans; akin to Latin eligere to select — more at elect

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elegant

• inelegant

Kids Definition

elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈel-i-gənt 

1

: having or showing elegance

2

: of excellent quality : splendid

elegantly adverb