shapely

[ sheyp-lee ]

adjective

, shape·li·er, shape·li·est.

1. having a pleasing shape, especially with reference to a woman's figure.

shapely

/ ˈʃeɪplɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a woman's body or legs) pleasing or attractive in shape

Derived Forms

• ˈshapeliness, noun

Other Words From

• shapeli·ness noun
• un·shapeli·ness noun
• un·shapely adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shapely¹

1325–75; shape + -ly; replacing Middle English shaply, schaply; compare Old English gesceaplīce (adv.) fitly

Example Sentences

He managed to tear a flat strip of wood from a nearby log and with his pearl-handled penknife whittled a shapely handle.

From Literature

But as the dance progressed, a certain softness prevailed, reinforced by the choreography’s buttery pliés, shapely arms and softly bent knees in leg extensions.

From New York Times

“It’s a Urania Klein,” my friend said, as he lifted the shapely antique typewriter from his car trunk.

From Slate

Ms. Miller and her husband, Arnold Miller, created two dominant brands: Ardell, the industry standard for abundant and shapely false eyelashes, and Matrix Essentials, which has often been described as the nation’s largest manufacturer of salon products and was the primary source of Ms. Miller’s fortune.

From New York Times

But unlike the shapely, strongly hooked songs he wrote for “Parade,” “The Last Five Years,” “13” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” many of those in “The Connector” meander, as if looking for a point, or to avoid one.

From New York Times

Related Words

• comely
• curvaceous
• elegant
• graceful
• pleasing
• rounded