classy
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of classy
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.
Vocabulary lists containing classy
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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
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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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.