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

Who Gives a CrapToilet paper as a gift is probably just plain aggressive, but this company does offer jaunty holiday designs on their rolls.

From Popular-Science

Sheaves of wheat or a jaunty-looking bread turkey will please any crowd.

From Eater

They belie the jaunty persona she presented to most of her correspondents and illuminate the lengths she went to conceal her unhappiness.

From Washington Post

Emily Hoxworth Hager assembles frog, bat and bird bones into a jaunty little creature outfitted with hat and staff.

From Washington Post

That song would soon morph from the jaunty clip of the light rail to the siren sounds of jazz.

From The Daily Beast

"It's been weeks since I left my mark," he said in his jaunty British accent.

From The Daily Beast

Baldwin introduced the show wearing a jaunty blue blazer, but conducted the taped interview wearing a sober gray suit.

From The Daily Beast

She perfectly captures the jaunty, businesslike hooker enjoying the absurd side of her job.

From The Daily Beast

"Leebie Granger is young," he went on insultingly, in a collected even voice which he strove to make jaunty in tone.

From Project Gutenberg

And when it is contented it seems to be smiling from the corners of its mouth to the jaunty little curl in its tail.

From Project Gutenberg

He came at a brisk pace, carrying his fifty-two years with a jaunty vigor that was the envy of many a younger man.

From Project Gutenberg

One day a man, wearing a jaunty silk hat, came into my office.

From Project Gutenberg

He stooped to kiss her, and then went off, whistling a jaunty air meant to indicate extreme cheerfulness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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