fancy

adjective

fancier; fanciest

1

: dependent or based on fancy : whimsical

2

a(1)

: not plain : ornamental

a fancy hairdo

(2)

: swank sense 2, posh

a fancy restaurant

b(1)

: of particular excellence or highest grade

fancy tuna

(2)

: impressive

posted some fancy numbers

c

of an animal or plant : bred especially for bizarre or ornamental qualities that lack practical utility

3

: based on conceptions of the fancy

fancy sketches

4

a

: dealing in fancy goods

b

: extravagant

paying fancy prices

5

: executed with technical skill and style

fancy footwork

fancy diving

6

: parti-color

fancy carnations

fancily

ˈfan(t)-sə-lē 

adverb

fanciness

ˈfan(t)-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of fancy

• excessive
• extravagant
• extreme
• steep
• insane
• lavish

Examples of fancy in a Sentence

He drives a big, fancy car.

we're having a little get-together after the concert—nothing fancy

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s just a fancy way of saying that melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy. —Aimee Simeon, Allure, 3 June 2026

Amick learned some fancy recipes from his mom, Mary Amick, who was a pastry chef. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

Stick them in a fancy goblet, picnic pail, or mint julep cup, depending on the event. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

Of course, there's a full minibar, snacks and a fancy coffee machine complete with a grinder. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from attributive use of fancy entry 2

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fancy

• catch someone's fancy
• fancy Dan
• fancy dress
• fancy-free
• fancy man
• fancy oneself
• fancy-pants
• fancy that
• fancy up
• fancy woman
• flight of fancy/imagination/fantasy
• passing fancy
• strike someone's fancy
• take a fancy to
• take someone's fancy
• tickle someone's fancy

Rhymes for fancy

• chancy
• dancy
• fiancee
• necromancy

Kids Definition

fancy

1 of 3 verb

fancied; fancying

1

: to have a fancy for : like

2

: to form a mental image of : imagine

fancy

2 of 3 noun

fan·​cy

ˈfan(t)-sē

plural fancies

1

: liking

took a fancy to the stray dog

2

: notion, whim

a passing fancy

3

: imagination

fancy

3 of 3 adjective

fancier; fanciest

1

: based on fancy : unpredictable

2

a

: not plain : ornamental

b

: of particular excellence

c

: bred especially for a showy appearance

a fancy goldfish

3

: done with great skill and grace

fancy footwork

fancily

ˈfan(t)-sə-lē 

adverb

fanciness

-sē-nəs 

noun