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

Martha Stewart has demonstrated in the past that dark-wash jeans are so elegant. —Eva Thomas, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026

Poplin Button-up Tunic A reliable, year-round wardrobe staple crafted from lightweight poplin for stress-free packing, the Poplin Button-up Tunic is the elegant essential your travel outfits have been waiting for. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026

Experience the beauty of Japanese New Year through a live Ikebana demonstration, enchanting Koto music, and an elegant Kimono showcase. —Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

Cavagnari, who has worked with Ferragamo and Bulgari on retail concepts, has crafted a space that is both elegant and inviting. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 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