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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

A petite, blond mother of four, Johnson found herself deeply upset by the children, touching them as she passed and handing out pieces of protein bars and fruit she carried in her bag, Ziesing remembers.

From The Wall Street Journal

In his archives, Francis found a petite high heel shoe last roughly the length of his hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dainty
• diminutive