petite

adjective pe·tite \ pə-ˈtēt \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of petite

: having a small trim figure —usually used of a woman

—

petiteness

noun

See petite defined for English-language learners

See petite defined for kids

Recent Examples of petite from the Web

The cost is $12 for a regular meal, or $10 for a petite meal.

— staff report, Post-Tribune, "Community news," 31 May 2018
This petite citrus tree has small, rounded leaves that alternate with wicked spines along its branches.

— nan sterman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Branching out with new crops," 31 May 2018
In ancient, barbaric days when local vassals managed petite armies, brute knights often swept into villages, declaring the inhabitants subject to new laws and new lords before riding off again with the changing of the season.

— robinson meyer, The Atlantic, "Electric Scooters Are the Cargo Shorts of Transportation," 31 May 2018
In a final flourish, a bamboo whisk is used to create a delicate and frothy mixture, which is then served alongside petite squares of pate de fruit.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "Where to find unforgettable tea and coffee service in the Bay Area," 25 May 2018
Josh Kiszka, in his dark tunic and feather headband, held court at center stage, where his petite frame was belied by the powerful, elastic voice that howled and shrieked from it.

— brian mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Greta Van Fleet nails the high notes at Fillmore Detroit in homecoming kickoff," 23 May 2018
But beware, petite riders: On the media cruise, multiple adult female riders did not get enough momentum to go over the first loop, causing them to slide backwards.

— chabeli herrera, miamiherald, "Riding 30 mph go-karts at sea? NCL strives for high-energy fun with its new cruise ship | Miami Herald," 11 May 2018
Joining them, Swedish indie rock star Anna Von Hausswolff looks to float across the stage, her voice much, much bigger than her petite frame.

— lauren warnecke, chicagotribune.com, "Joffrey's North American premiere of 'Midsummer' is a 'Joy.' That’s its only problem.," 26 Apr. 2018
Vikander, a former ballerina with a petite frame and delicate old-world features, is an unlikely Croft, the digital embodiment of teen male fantasies from the game consoles of the 1990s.

— steven klein, Vogue, "How Alicia Vikander Transformed Into Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft," 8 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of petite

French, feminine of petit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1784

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

petite

noun

Definition of petite

: a clothing size for short women

Recent Examples of petite from the Web

The petite, raven-haired designer Tatiana Baibabaeva seems to be living a globe-spanning fairytale that will, if everything goes according to plan, soon land her in sun-swept Mallorca keeping shop with her husband.

— Vogue, "Tatiana Baibabaeva Is Infusing Slow Fashion with Sensuality, One Macramé Dress at a Time," 31 May 2018
On my doorstep was a petite, middle-aged Hispanic woman in a pink Gap sweatshirt and leggings.

— amanda needham, Washington Post, "I posted a huge note for the thief who stole my bike. Then my doorbell rang.," 16 Mar. 2018
Featuring options for men and women, as well as maternity, plus-sized and petites, clients can receive Fixes automatically or schedule them on-demand, with a variety of styles to choose from for all budgets -- plus free shipping and returns.

— NBC News, "A subscription box for every single person on your list," 20 Dec. 2017
Infinite Style features an edit of Ann Taylor's products, including dresses, tops, and bottoms, as well as separate sections dedicated to workwear, weekend, and petites.

— ana colon, Glamour, "You Can Now Rent Clothes From Ann Taylor For $95 a Month," 2 Nov. 2017
What to get: Gai Yang This petite, no-frills Lakewood restaurant has some surprises up its sleeve.

— cleveland.com, "Cheap eats in Cleveland: 15 great dishes for $15 and under," 16 Oct. 2017
Compare this to ateliers like Valentino, who pride themselves on the hundreds upon hundreds of hours their petites mains spend pinning and embroidering and beading and chiaroscuro-ing mink onto a single couture dress.

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "Don't Call It a Comeback: How Crocs Changed the Flow of Fashion," 13 Oct. 2017
In the last few years the brand has also expanded into petites, bridal and celebrity collaborations.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "Reformation Launches a Sustainable Denim Line You'll Actually Want to Wear," 12 Oct. 2017
In front of the screen, a petite table covered by a white cloth displayed a single model place setting for a formal dinner party.

— laura miller, Slate Magazine, "To the Manners Born," 19 Apr. 2017