handsomer; handsomest
1
: pleasing to look at : attractive
It was a handsome house situated on a large lot.
The book includes many handsome illustrations.
especially, of a person
: having a pleasing appearance that causes romantic or sexual feelings in someone
a handsome face
I predict that someone tall, dark, and handsome is going to come into your life.
Note: Men are more frequently described as handsome than women.
2
always used before a noun
: large in size or amount
He inherited a handsome fortune.
He made a handsome profit on the sale of the house.
They made handsome [=generous] contributions to charity.
3
always used before a noun
: done or achieved in an impressive way
The book is a handsome tribute to a great poet.
(chiefly Brit) She won a handsome victory in the election.
Cite this Entry
“Handsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/handsome. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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