petite

[ puh-teet ]

adjective

1. relating to or being a woman who is short and has a small, trim figure; diminutive: The sash accentuates her petite waist.

   She is a petite brunette.

   The sash accentuates her petite waist.

2. small; little:

   I usually buy frozen petite peas.

   Traveling by air with your petite pooch or kitty has never been easier!

noun

1. a category of clothing sized for women or girls of less than average height.
2. a garment in such a size:

   The petites are on that rack.

3. a woman or girl who wears clothing of such a size.

petite

/ pəˈtiːt /

adjective

1. (of a woman) small, delicate, and dainty

Other Words From

• pe·tite·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petite¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French; feminine of petit

Word History and Origins

Origin of petite¹

C18: from French, feminine of petit small

Example Sentences

He goes on to call himself a petite prince and a tiny titan, and such celebratory self-awareness is winning.

From Salon

Pseudogymnoascus destructans — the fungus — causes deadly white-nose syndrome, so named for the characteristic snowy fuzz that manifests on the petite faces of infected bats.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement read to the court, Mr Ströhle described his partner of 18 years as a "beautiful, petite and incredibly smart woman".

From BBC

Making her way to the building’s sixth floor, the annoyance and disdain of arriving fades away as she retreats into the petite recording booth with an outdoor terrace.

From Los Angeles Times

This advice is very similar to what the experts told the two men struggling to find their wives attractive because they aren't petite or brunette.

From BBC

Related Words

• dainty
• diminutive