dapper

[ dap-er ]

adjective

1. neat; trim; smart:

   He looked very dapper in his new suit.

   Synonyms: natty, jaunty, modish, spruce

2. lively and brisk:

   to walk with a dapper step.

3. small and active.

dapper

/ ˈdæpə /

adjective

1. neat and spruce in dress and bearing; trim
2. small and nimble

Derived Forms

• ˈdapperly, adverb
• ˈdapperness, noun

Other Words From

• dapper·ly adverb
• dapper·ness noun
• un·dapper adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dapper¹

1400–50; late Middle English daper < Middle Dutch dapper nimble, stalwart; cognate with German tapfer brave

Word History and Origins

Origin of dapper¹

C15: from Middle Dutch: active, nimble

Example Sentences

Forge stalks the stage in white face paint, a dapper, demonic menace.

From Los Angeles Times

David N. Redden, an innovative auctioneer and a dapper presence at the podium, sold them all in a 42-year career at Sotheby’s.

From New York Times

He looks dapper holding a bouquet of white flowers to match the outfit.

From Salon

He looked dapper for his first appearance in a mint green suit and shirt, but donned a blonde pompadour wig and “Death Rock” T-shirt for a second appearance as Beavis with Day’s buck-toothed Butt-Head.

From Seattle Times

Fring is a dapper, eternally composed villain possessed of a calm that drapes an outer layer of sinister over a performance that screams warnings without saying much at all.

From Salon

Related Words

• classy
• dashing
• rakish
• spry
• stylish