1
: having or showing a kind and quiet nature : not harsh or violent
a very gentle man/dog
a dog that is gentle with children
Your mother has a gentle manner/voice/smile.
gentle eyes
a gentle sense of humor
a gentle giant [=a large but gentle person or animal]
2
a
: not hard or forceful
a gentle rain/breeze/wind
gentle movements
a gentle push
Apply gentle [=soft] pressure to the area.
I heard a gentle knock at the door.
b
: not strong or harsh in effect or quality
a gentle soap = a soap that is gentle on the skin
It's a delicate problem that requires gentle handling/treatment.
The job requires a gentle touch.
The cold snap was a gentle reminder that winter was coming.
gentle flavors
3
: not steep or sharp
a gentle slope/hill
a gentle curve
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gentle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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