dainty

[ deyn-tee ]

adjective

, dain·ti·er, dain·ti·est.

1. of delicate beauty; exquisite:

   a dainty lace handkerchief.

   Synonyms: fine

2. pleasing to the taste and, often, temptingly served or delicate; delicious:

   dainty pastries.

   Synonyms: scrumptious, mouth-watering, delectable, tender

3. of delicate discrimination or taste; particular:

   a dainty eater.

4. overly particular; finicky; fastidious.

   Synonyms: overnice

noun

, plural dain·ties.

1. something delicious to the taste; a delicacy.

   Synonyms: tidbit

dainty

/ ˈdeɪntɪ /

adjective

1. delicate or elegant

   a dainty teacup

2. pleasing to the taste; choice; delicious

   a dainty morsel

3. refined, esp excessively genteel; fastidious

noun

1. a choice piece of food, esp a small cake or sweet; delicacy

Derived Forms

• ˈdaintily, adverb
• ˈdaintiness, noun

Other Words From

• dain·ti·ly adverb
• dain·ti·ness noun
• o·ver·dain·ti·ness noun
• o·ver·dain·ty adjective
• su·per·dain·ty adjective
• un·dain·ti·ness noun
• un·dain·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dainty¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English noun deinte, dainte, dente “worthiness, happiness, delicacy,” from Anglo-French deinte, Old French deint(i)e, from Latin dignitāt- (stem of dignitās ); the adjective is derivative of the noun; dignity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dainty¹

C13: from Old French deintié, from Latin dignitās dignity

Synonym Study

See delicate. See particular.

Example Sentences

Still tethered around her neck is a dainty gold chain with the name of her fourth studio album, “Encuentros,” released Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Burgos, a resident of North Hollywood, is a licensed optician — she describes herself as an essential healthcare worker — and co-owner of a murder mystery theater company called Dainty Dames Events.

From Los Angeles Times

Triple play, shriple play, memories of the incredible ending of a night earlier were smothered by the giant that is Ohtani, whose one dainty walk followed by two deafening hits carried the Dodgers to both a 4-3 victory over the Padres and the precipice of their 11th National League West championship in 12 years.

From Los Angeles Times

"We’re not planning on making it all dainty and quaint. We’re putting the pedal down."

From BBC

Even Melania Trump’s introduction was obviously scripted by men: The hard rock music gave way to a nice dainty song for the classy dame.

From Slate

Related Words

• cute
• elegant
• ethereal
• exquisite
• graceful
• lacy
• neat
• petite
• tasteful
• tasty