neat

noun \ ˈnēt \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Definition of neat

plural neat or neats

: the common domestic bovine (Bos taurus)

Origin and Etymology of neat

Middle English neet, from Old English nēat; akin to Old High German nōz head of cattle, Old English nēotan to make use of, Lithuanian nauda use

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

neat

adjective

Definition of neat

1 : free from dirt and disorder : habitually clean and orderly

kept her room neat

2 a : free from admixture or dilution (see ¹dilute 3) : straight

neat brandy

neat cement

b : free from irregularity : smooth

neat silk

3 : marked by tasteful simplicity

a neat outfit

4 a : precise, systematic

mathematics … retains the neat exactness of the surgeon's knife
—Bertrand Russell

b : marked by skill or ingenuity : adroit

a neat trick

5 : net

neat profit

6 informal : very pleasant, fun, or enjoyable : wonderful, excellent —used as a generalized term of enthusiastic approval

had a neat time!

What a neat idea!

We met some neat people at the party.

—

neatly

adverb

—

neatness

noun

See neat defined for English-language learners

See neat defined for kids

Examples of neat in a Sentence

He keeps his apartment neat and clean.
The store is always busy but they manage to keep the shelves stocked and neat.
a nice neat pile of magazines
Fold the paper to make a neat edge.
a neat man who always wore a suit
He's got a neat way of memorizing information.
There is, unfortunately, no neat solution to the problem.
She's a neat person who has traveled a lot.

Recent Examples of neat from the Web

Pretty neat, huh? Tinted lip balm for your cheeks — that's the CliffNotes version of these cream blushes that not only impart a wash of color but also a nice dewy (not glossy) sheen as a finish.

— allure editors, Allure, "The Best New Beauty Products This Month," 9 July 2018
However, owners who offer short-term rentals say their tenants tend to be vacationing families who are peaceful and neat, and are familiar faces who often return year after year..

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Coastal Commission tells Del Mar to expand short-term rentals," 17 June 2018
This tender perennial tends to die back in winter, but grows back quickly in spring with a neat, mounding form.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Hummingbirds can’t resist this little firecracker," 12 Jan. 2018
It’s designed for neat and tidy pavement, clear road edges, and immobile crash barriers that can be used as reference points.

— jack stewart, WIRED, "A Racing Robocar Takes On England's Swankiest Track," 7 July 2018
Wow, this is really kind of unique and neat and wonderful.

— julie hinds, Detroit Free Press, "Father-daughter media favorites, Dick and JoAnne Purtan, bond over radio," 17 June 2018
That would be the Trade Whiskey comprising bourbon with red chili pepper sauce, tobacco and the gun powder, served neat and with quite a spicy bite to it.

— larry olmsted, USA TODAY, "Pair game meat and period cocktails in Colorado," 13 June 2018
The State Bank of Middleton opened last November in a neat and well-equipped brick building.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "In Idaho's early 1900s, linking Boise-area cities by rail was much celebrated | Idaho Statesman," 26 May 2018
Something that is very neat and elegant, and obviously with dark colors.

— kate samuelson, Time, "A Royal Hat Designer Breaks Down the Fancy Hats You'll See at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of neat

Middle French net, from Latin nitidus bright, neat, from nitēre to shine; probably akin to Middle Irish níam luster

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

neat Synonyms

Phrases

out of this world, too much;

neat

adverb

Definition of neat

1 : in a neat manner

his hair combed back neat
—J. M. Cain

2 : without admixture or dilution : straight

Origin and Etymology of neat

see ²neat

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1578

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEAT Defined for English Language Learners

neat

adjective

Definition of neat for English Language Learners

: not messy : clean and orderly
: liking to keep things very clean and orderly
: simple and clever

NEAT Defined for Kids

neat

adjective \ ˈnēt \

Definition of neat for Students

neater; neatest

1 : showing care and a concern for order

a neat room

2 : skillful in a fascinating or entertaining way

a neat trick

—

neatly

adverb

—

neatness

noun

History for neat

The English word neat can be traced back to a Latin adjective nitidus that meant “shining,” “bright,” or “clear.” The French word net that came from this Latin word had the same meanings and came into English as neat. English neat at first meant “bright” or “clean.” Later it was used to mean “simple and in good taste,” “skillful,” and “tidy.”