1
a
: easily broken or damaged
The cup is very delicate [=fragile], so please handle it carefully.
delicate flowers
b
: easily injured, hurt, or made sick
Her health is very delicate. [=frail]
He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling.
2
a
: attractive and made up of small or fine parts
The fabric has a delicate floral print.
a small boy with delicate (facial) features
She has delicate hands. [=small and attractive hands]
b
: very carefully and beautifully made
We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows.
The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings.
3
: attractive because of being soft, gentle, light, etc. : pleasant or attractive in a way that is not too strong
the delicate flavor of the wine
a delicate perfume/sauce
a delicate color
4
: easily disturbed or upset
Many people struggle to maintain the delicate balance between work and family.
The violence in the film offended her delicate sensibilities.
The movie is not for delicate [=squeamish] people.
5
: requiring special care or skill : difficult to manage or do well
The doctor performed the delicate operation.
This is a delicate situation that needs to be handled carefully.
The situation calls for a very delicate approach.
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/delicate. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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