jaunty

[ jawn-tee, jahn- ]

adjective

, jaun·ti·er, jaun·ti·est.

1. easy and sprightly in manner or bearing:

   to walk with a jaunty step.

2. smartly trim, as clothing:

   a jaunty hat.

jaunty

/ ˈdʒɔːntɪ /

adjective

1. sprightly, self-confident, and cheerful; brisk

   a jaunty step

2. smart; trim

   a jaunty hat

Derived Forms

• ˈjauntily, adverb
• ˈjauntiness, noun

Other Words From

• jaun·ti·ly adverb
• jaun·ti·ness noun
• un·jaun·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaunty¹

First recorded in 1655–65; earlier jentee, juntee, from French gentil “noble, gentle” ( genteel ), with ending taken as -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaunty¹

C17: from French gentil noble; see genteel

Example Sentences

He leaves the others stunned and David mortified until the storm cloud passes and he’s his jaunty, loquacious self again.

From Los Angeles Times

With a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s jaunty “Fly Me to the Moon,” Payne showed off his immaculate pitch and rich vocal tone, and a rakish presence beyond his years.

From Los Angeles Times

The tune was the slinking “Be Cool,” its message a bit of laid-back life-coaching: “Charm ’em / Don’t alarm ’em,” Mitchell sang, her long hair in two pigtails beneath a jaunty beret, eyes twinkling behind a stylish pair of tinted glasses.

From Los Angeles Times

The duo offers an equally fresh approach to “Don’t Let Me Down Again,” with its jaunty headfirst rhythms and ferocity.

From Salon

Eilish and Finneas similarly play with the tension between light and dark in “The Diner,” which channels the disturbing thoughts of a stalker against a jaunty arrangement reminiscent of Eilish’s beloved Gorillaz.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breezy
• buoyant
• carefree
• devilish
• impish
• jolly
• jovial
• perky
• playful
• rollicking
• sprightly