elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈe-li-gənt 

1

: marked by elegance

elegant clothes

an elegant solution

2

: of a high grade or quality : splendid

elegant gems priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars

elegantly adverb

Synonyms of elegant

• graceful
• handsome
• fine

Choose the Right Synonym for elegant

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

Examples of elegant in a Sentence

an elegant solution to the problem

the most elegant First Lady in the nation's history

Recent Examples on the Web

This reversible option is no exception, with its appealing yellow color and elegant floral pattern. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

With refined decor and an intimate residential ambience, guests will feel like locals checking into an elegant Manhattan townhouse—without sacrificing the white-glove service and amenities of a five-star hotel, of course. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

The rooms are gorgeous, with options ranging from modern, elegant Nest rooms to fabulous Canopy suites with charismatic décor. —Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026

Thursday evening’s striking ensemble is a far cry from the lighter, more elegant looks Hathaway has sported for The Devil Wears Prada 2 premieres. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin elegant-, elegans; akin to Latin eligere to select — more at elect

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elegant

• inelegant

Kids Definition

elegant

adjective

el·​e·​gant ˈel-i-gənt 

1

: having or showing elegance

2

: of excellent quality : splendid

elegantly adverb