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

When added to the 519 hp that the V8 engine generates, the result is truly stunning, and yet, the Continental GT S’s power delivery not the most this elegant sedan is capable of. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

With its relaxed silhouette and classic striped print, this pajama set feels a bit more elegant than the average sleepwear pick. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026

Showing beautiful aromatics, including expressive floral notes in the bouquet, 2021 Brunello is noted for its bold fruit flavors, extraordinary balance, elegant texture, and overall integration. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 May 2026

To be sure, after unveiling its first Milan flagship in the elegant residential area of Via Mameli in 2024 and setting up a series of itinerant temporary stores across Italy, last year Collanine Colorate stepped abroad to test international markets via pop-ups in Madrid, Lisbon and Paris. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 May 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