petite

1 of 3

adjective

pe·​tite pə-ˈtēt 

: having a small trim figure

—usually used of a woman

petiteness noun

petite

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a clothing size for short women

petiteness

3 of 3

noun (2)

pe·​tite·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being petite

Examples of petite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Chico’s Travelers No Tummy Cropped Pants are a petite-friendly version of the brand’s most popular style. — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2026

Even stylists have recommended the streamlined outfit for appearing taller (a great tip for petite shoppers), and multiple celebrities have co-signed the easy-to-style combo this summer alone. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Noun

These high-rise flare jeans go with everything and come in both long and short inseams—crucial for the petite among us. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

With a 26-inch inseam option, petites can finally skip the tailor and spend that extra cash on a round of gelato instead. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, feminine of petit

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing petite

• petite bourgeoisie
• petite sirah
• petite syrah

Rhymes for petite

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids Definition

petite

adjective

pe·​tite

pə-ˈtēt

: having a small trim figure