prettiness

noun

pret·​ti·​ness ˈpri-tē-nəs How to pronounce prettiness (audio)
ˈpər-,
ˈpru̇-
1
: the quality or state of being pretty
2
: something pretty

Examples of prettiness in a Sentence

the sugary prettiness of the knickknacks is sure to appeal to a certain type of collector
Recent Examples on the Web Occasionally, these innovations go beyond mere prettiness to genuine wit, as with ice cubes for martinis that come with olives and olive brine inside. Ligaya Mishan Esther Choi, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023 Curving forms can create a softness and prettiness by their very nature. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2023 The impossible prettiness of it all draws travelers from across the globe. Julia Buckley, Travel + Leisure, 18 Nov. 2023 This is a case of prettiness begetting more of the same. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2023 One is wild and unkempt; the other is manicured to an almost uncanny prettiness. Nina Caplan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2023 The intensity of Rites of Spring could not be duplicated, but the triumphal prettiness of Sunny Day Real Estate could, and the underground got busy. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023 The nostalgic prettiness might strike some as a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2023 When the lavender fields bloom in the summer, this site reaches peak prettiness. 04 of 20 Île Sainte-Marguerite Île Sainte-Marguerite floats about half a mile offshore from Cannes. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prettiness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prettiness was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near prettiness

Cite this Entry

“Prettiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prettiness. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prettiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!