dainty JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈdeɪnti/ · dain·ty
noun
- A delicacy, especially a small, refined food item noted for its taste. She offered a dainty of the chef’s famous truffle mousse.
- Esteem or honour; a mark of distinction. Receiving the medal was a true dainty for his years of service.
- (Prairies and northwestern Ontario) A fancy homemade cookie, pastry, or square served at social gatherings, often pluralized. The community hall was filled with trays of dainties for the holiday potluck.
adjective
- Excellent; valuable, fine; of high quality. The jeweler praised the dainty craftsmanship of the antique brooch.
- Elegant; delicately small and pretty; graceful in appearance. She wore a dainty silver necklace that caught the light with every movement.
- Fastidious and fussy, especially when eating; overly particular about food. He was so dainty that he refused to eat anything that wasn’t sliced thinly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? Shakespeare used 'dainty' in 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1590) to describe a delicate, refined woman, cementing its association with both taste and elegance.