shapely

American  

[sheyp-lee] / ˈʃeɪp li /

adjective

shapelier, shapeliest

1. having a pleasing shape, especially with reference to a woman's figure.

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shapely British  

/ ˈʃeɪplɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a woman's body or legs) pleasing or attractive in shape

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Other Word Forms

• shapeliness
  noun
• unshapeliness
  noun
• unshapely
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of shapely

1325–75; shape + -ly; replacing Middle English shaply, schaply; compare Old English gesceaplīce (adv.) fitly

Explanation

Use the adjective shapely to describe someone whose body has an attractive shape. You might start going to the gym to run and lift weights with the goal of becoming more shapely. The word shapely most often describes a woman, but there's no reason you can't use it to talk about a nicely shaped man as well. You could describe a mountain climber you know as being physically fit, with shapely legs, or complain that fashion magazines are full of identical shapely models, with no variation of body types. Shapely has been used in English since the fourteenth century, from the Old English root word gesceap, or "creation, form, or destiny."

Example Sentences

Toto Shapely toilets, bathtubs and plumbing fixtures by way of Japan.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2016

And here is where Shapely and Roth come in.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2012

Shapely dresses remained, with a flair to the skirt and perhaps a belt, making a convincing collection of winter day wear.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2012

CURVACEOUS: Shapely is the word for the helm station's easy-riding layout, top, while the curved saloon is both pleasing and impeccably finished.

From Time Magazine Archive

Shapely lips which called attention not to themselves but to the rest of the face.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• comely
• curvaceous
• elegant
• graceful
• pleasing
• rounded