petite

American  

[puh-teet] / pəˈtit /

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!

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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 British  

/ pəˈtiːt /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• petiteness noun

Etymology

Origin of petite

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

Example Sentences

The privacy policy it puts forth does have the benefit of transparency, but ultimately, it’s just a list of what Avast collects, with only a petite section that lists what it doesn’t collect.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Kohl’s is trying to undo missteps that included scaling back petite sizes, fine jewelry and private brands in its stores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

There’s also a petite variety in a 2-inch pot designed to enliven an office desk without taking up too much space.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

In Italian nappa leather, this petite clutch can corral her euro coins—and store international currency between trips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Although she was petite, I quickly discovered that my shorthand teacher was definitely not one to tolerate any hanky-panky.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• dainty
• diminutive