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Synonyms

classy

American  
[klas-ee, klah-see] / ˈklæs i, ˈklɑ si /

adjective

Informal.
classier, comparative classiest superlative
  1. of high class, rank, or grade; stylish; admirably smart; elegant.


classy British  
/ ˈklɑːsɪ /

adjective

  1. informal elegant; stylish

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

Etymology

Origin of classy

First recorded in 1890–95; class + -y 1

Explanation

On a first date, make a good impression. If you're the one choosing the location, pick a classy spot, one that's stylish and sophisticated — or that at least doesn't have a drive-through window. Classy is a word used to describe people, places or things, that have a lot of "class." But a classy person isn't just someone who wears expensive clothes. Classy can also refer to someone who puts a high standard on the way he behaves. A classy gentleman opens doors for ladies. A classy gesture is something someone does that reflects this high standard of behavior. Giving up your seat to a pregnant lady on the bus: a classy gesture.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing classy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"The All Blacks are a classy outfit, and they'll punish you if you're not on your A- game, and at times we weren't," admitted Irish skipper Dan Sheehan.

From BBC Jul. 18, 2026

"It’s a high-quality scooter. And it comes with a certain status. It’s classy, you know. It's not like the cheapy scooters that you see on the road all the time. Vespa is special," Stover added.

From Barron's Jun. 27, 2026

If you want a classy premium SUV with a conventional gas powertrain, priced under $100,000, the GV80 is kind of a shoo-in.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 6, 2026

The biggest comedy stars in the world will be performing a mix of stand-up, variety show antics and God knows what else, dressed in classy formal wear you don’t often see at a comedy show.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 29, 2026

It was really classy, like something you might find at a semi-pro baseball stadium or some half-assed rock venue.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

The second was an altogether classier affair, with Andy Rinomhota's delightful lofted pass glancing the head of Leeds centre-back Diego Llorente before reaching Ojo, who chested the ball before finishing smartly on the turn.

From BBC Jan. 8, 2023

They complain that some playwrights, like Pinter, got the classier adjectival ending “-esque” even as they each wound up with “-ian.”

From New York Times Sep. 30, 2022

“The owner is really named Chester, but he thought it sounded classier in French.”

From Washington Post Aug. 25, 2022

"Number one, that's the past!!!. Number two, can the dialogue get any classier???"

From Reuters Sep. 29, 2021

"I don't seem to understand why everyone thinks the East Side is classier," he says.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max

Stones, 32, remains England's classiest and most experienced defender as he goes into his sixth major tournament.

From BBC Jun. 16, 2026

"He's like the Darth Vader compared to two of the classiest acts we've seen play tennis -- Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer," he said.

From Barron's Jan. 31, 2026

“Without a doubt, this is the classiest farewell I have ever seen or heard from an artist,” one fan wrote in comments.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 14, 2025

When the sun goes down and the temperature drops, you can be the classiest host in town by having a pile of soft blankets ready for your guests.

From Washington Times Jun. 19, 2023

She learned the names of the classiest brands.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart

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