style

noun

\ ˈstī(-ə)l

Definition of style

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : designation, title

2a : a distinctive manner of expression (as in writing or speech) writes with more attention to style than to content the flowery style of 18th century prose

b : a distinctive manner or custom of behaving or conducting oneself the formal style of the court his style is abrasive also : a particular mode of living in high style

c : a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed a unique style of horseback riding the classical style of dance

3a : stylus

b : gnomon sense 1b

c : the filiform usually elongated part of the pistil bearing a stigma at its apex — see flower illustration

d : a slender elongated process (such as a bristle) on an animal

4 : a distinctive quality, form, or type of something a new dress style the Greek style of architecture

5a : the state of being popular : fashion clothes that are always in style

b : fashionable elegance

c : beauty, grace, or ease of manner or technique an awkward moment she handled with style

6 : a convention with respect to spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and typographic arrangement and display followed in writing or printing

style

verb

styled; styling

Definition of style (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to call or designate by an identifying term : name

2a : to give a particular style to

b : to design, make, or arrange in accord with the prevailing mode

-style

adjective combining form or adverb combining form

Definition of -style (Entry 3 of 3)

: being in the style of a Beaujolais-style wine

Other Words from style Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about style

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Other Words from style

Noun

styleless \ ˈstī(-ə)l-ləs

\ adjective

stylelessness noun

Verb

styler noun

Choose the Right Synonym for style

Noun

fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date. fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place. the current fashion style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste. a media baron used to traveling in style mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated. slim bodies are the mode at this resort vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion. short skirts are back in vogue fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion. last year's fad is over rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad. Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted

Examples of style in a Sentence

Noun

I don't like the flowery style of his writing. She has a unique style of singing. a baseball pitcher with an unusual style She writes with more attention to style than to content. The room was decorated in modern style. The car is available in several different styles. the Greek style of architecture The range of clothing styles has become more varied. His management style is abrasive.

Verb

She cuts and styles hair. She's having her hair styled tomorrow. a book styled for a general audience

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Indeed, two styles of pottery in neighboring houses suggest that Philistines and Levantines lived side-by-side in Ashkelon. — Ann Gibbons, Science | AAAS, "Biblical Philistines—archenemies of ancient Israelites—hailed from Europe, DNA reveals," 3 July 2019 The brand was created to epitomize the style of the 21st-century women and support the different issues women face in society today. — James Love, Essence, "Leomie Anderson and Daily Paper Join Forces to Empower Women For Their Debut Collaboration," 3 July 2019 While the menu may show a penchant for burritos, the three styles of tacos ensures Bandido is true to its taqueria moniker. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "This Mexican restaurant near U of L serves up some indulgent (and big!) food," 3 July 2019 The guiding force behind the clowning/krumping style of dance, Tommy brought along an entertaining troupe of dancers who will be performing at his forthcoming Battle Zone competition in L.A. (July 27). — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, "Anderson .Paak Wows L.A. Audience with Happy Homecoming Forum Show," 30 June 2019 The Warriors are the richest team in the NBA, with a new arena in a world-class city and a style of play that brings out the best in everyone, led by a no-ego superstar. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, "Kurtenbach: The real issue the Lakers present to the Warriors this summer," 28 June 2019 Artist and creative director George McCalman captures the style and personality of attendees at Bay Area events with his illustrations. — George Mccalman, SFChronicle.com, "Observed: Southern Exposure gallery, landmark gay bar re-imagined at the Lab," 28 June 2019 Teams share the same style of uniforms for state 7-on-7 games but many sported team-colored helmets with the school logo to match. — Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle, "Soft-shell helmets debut at 7-on-7 tourney," 28 June 2019 Lexington, North Carolina North Carolina has two distinct styles of barbecue. — Anna Mazurek, al.com, "Get your fill of barbecue on this Southern road trip," 27 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Rachel bird bath: This concrete birdbath is simply styled, making it the perfect piece for any style of garden. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Colorful, whimsical or classic, yard art can enhance your garden’s overall appeal," 3 July 2019 Peter is shown with hair styled like Tony, wearing Tony’s glasses. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "How Iron Man's Legacy — and BARF Technology — Plays a Major Role in Spider-Man: Far From Home," 2 July 2019 Before the debate, O'Rourke warmed up Tuesday with a town hall hosted by a major teachers union, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren drew 1,300 at a rally styled as a town hall. — Jamie Hancock, Dallas News, "Democratic debate fireworks from Beto O'Rourke and Julian Castro, Dallas' Colin Allred takes the field, Paul McCartney mad at Texas A&M," 27 June 2019 Proof arrived when 11-year-old Serenity Moore got her first Vee’s cut, a trim of her long hair that was then styled into a princess-like fishtail braid. — René A. Guzman, ExpressNews.com, "The Jefferson-area salon cutting and curling for 71 years, Vee’s Hair and Spa," 26 June 2019 For the past 22 years on air, Judge Judy has rocked the same iconic look: brown hair with caramel highlights styled into a short bob. — Rachel Lubitz, refinery29.com, "Judge Judy Has A New Hair Look & Fans Are Freaking Out," 20 June 2019 Launched in 2018 and styled after a similar festival in LA, Chicago Tribune Food Bowl is a multiweek food festival celebrating Chicago’s dining scene. — Grace Wong, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Food Bowl — a celebration of the city’s dining culture — back for its second year," 19 June 2019 This is a 3-bed, 5-bath, 2,400-square foot home built in 2017 and styled after Michigan lake cottages. — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, "Cozy Oldham County cottage impressed Lifetime enough to be featured in a movie," 13 June 2019 Gomez, who plays Zoe in Jim Jarmusch’s new zombie comedy, wore a $16,000 Celine mini dress, notes EOnline, and was styled for the occasion by Kate Young, who also dressed her for The Hollywood Reporter's Empowerment in Entertainment event. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Selena Gomez Rocks a Little Black Dress for 'Dead Don't Die' Premiere: Watch," 10 June 2019

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

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More Definitions for style

style

noun

English Language Learners Definition of style

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a particular way in which something is done, created, or performed

: a particular form or design of something

: a way of behaving or of doing things

style

verb

English Language Learners Definition of style (Entry 2 of 2)

formal : to give (yourself) a name or title even if you do not really deserve it

: to give a particular shape to (someone's hair)

: to design (something) for a particular purpose

See the full definition for style in the English Language Learners Dictionary

style

noun

\ ˈstīl

Kids Definition of style

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a particular form or design of something classical style of dance Dinner was served buffet style.

2 : a way of speaking or writing

3 : an individual way of behaving or doing something He changed his style of holding the bat and hit more balls.

4 : a method, manner, or quality that is felt to be very respectable, fashionable, or proper : fashion They dine in style. Dad's clothes are out of style.

5 : an easy and graceful manner She handled the situation with style.

6 : the narrow middle part of the pistil of a flower