Jaunty | Definition of jaunty by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of JAUNTY

1

archaic

a : stylish

b : genteel

2

: sprightly in manner or appearance : lively <sporting a jaunty red beret> <a jaunty stroll>

— jaun·ti·ly \ˈjȯn-tə-lē, ˈjän-\ adverb

— jaun·ti·ness \ˈjȯn-tē-nəs, ˈjän-\ noun

See jaunty defined for English-language learners

See jaunty defined for kids

modification of French gentil

First Known Use: 1662

Synonyms: active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, lively, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy

Antonyms: dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid

: lively in manner or appearance <He approached with a jaunty walk.>

— jaun·ti·ly \ˈjȯn-tə-lē\ adverb

— jaun·ti·ness \ˈjȯn-tē-nəs\ noun

Next Word in the Dictionary: jaup (verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: jauntinglyAll Words Near: jaunty

What made you want to look up jaunty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).