petite

1 of 2

adjective

pe·​tite pə-ˈtēt 

: having a small trim figure

—usually used of a woman

petiteness noun

petite

2 of 2

noun

: a clothing size for short women

Examples of petite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Gap Large Denim Five Pocket Tote Already out of stock in the Standard and Large iterations, this petite purse is outfitted in soft denim and, true to its name, boasts a myriad of pockets for schlepping all your tchotchkes around town. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

This approach to design expresses itself particularly clearly in the petite butler’s pantry. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2026

Noun

Finding comfortable pieces that look great and are travel-friendly, however, isn’t always easy—especially for petites. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, feminine of petit

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined above

Noun

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