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

A motorik beat, jaunty bass line and melodic wafts of keyboard make the track go down with a disarming ease.

From New York Times

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

From Salon

Clocking in at just under two hours, the show began with album opener “Felt Good About You,” a folksy number whose jaunty tambourine gives it the feel of a tune from an indie film soundtrack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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