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

This stretch of North Zealand’s shoreline is perfect for restorative winter walks, comfy cafés, and elegant seaside stays. — Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

One elegant multi-story villa set back behind metal gates appears intact but the back of the building has been heavily damaged. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

Designed for a calm, contemporary aesthetic, this elegant home—the right size for a solo traveler—is within walking distance of the town’s most popular attractions, including Les Halles de Biarritz. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Visiting this elegant waterfront restaurant, participating in Spice for the first time, is a must. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 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