pleasant

adjective

pleas·​ant ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce pleasant (audio)
1
: having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable
a pleasant day
2
: having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance
pleasantly adverb
pleasantness noun

Example Sentences

the pleasant smell of cookies baking in the oven We had a pleasant conversation. Our evening together was pleasant but not very exciting. I didn't know you were coming. What a pleasant surprise! Their new teacher seems pleasant enough. a very pleasant young man See More
Recent Examples on the Web Her pregnancy with her first child came as a pleasant surprise. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 8 Mar. 2023 This lube also contains a subtle, pleasant scent that can help to enhance the mood and create a more enjoyable, sensual experience. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 With a light, clean scent, this formula came out on top in Lab testing for pleasant scent and texture among mineral lotions. Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 23 Feb. 2023 The light pleasant scent comes from the organic ingredients and there are no artificial perfumes in the formula. Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 15 Feb. 2023 The gel's perfect amount of hold, combined with versatility in use and pleasant scent, is what makes this product the top dog. John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Feb. 2023 Furthermore, essential oils such as lavender and rosemary ensure a pleasant scent and a greaseless feel that absorbs quickly. Dallas News, 27 Jan. 2023 The probiotics help reduce inflammation, Greek espresso acts as a stimulating antioxidant, and honeysuckle and jasmine give the gel a pleasant floral scent. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2022 Some people, like yourself, are very pleasant to talk to. SPIN, 15 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English plesaunt, from Anglo-French plaisant, from present participle of plaisir

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasant was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pleasant

Cite this Entry

“Pleasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasant. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

pleasant

adjective
pleas·​ant ˈplez-ᵊnt How to pronounce pleasant (audio)
1
: giving pleasure : agreeable
a pleasant day
2
: having or marked by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance
the new teacher is very pleasant
pleasantly adverb
pleasantness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pleasant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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