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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:

And I—the classy guy that I am—was going to spend the next 45 minutes sending obnoxious text messages to every Wolverine I knew.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

The Turbo Electric brings a pretty classy chassis to the party: Porsche’s Active Suspension Management and Active Ride.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

"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

Smriti Mandhana reached another classy half-century and remains unbeaten on 69 after adding 88 for the first wicket with Shafali Verma, who fell to Sophie Ecclestone for 33.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

If I quote him, my star projector act will be as classy as a cello solo!

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

"Royal Enfield built the community, and have been iterating their showrooms to be ever classier places that have the feel of an international, retro, cool, chic brand."

From Reuters ● Jul. 23, 2023

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

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

From Washington Post ● Aug. 25, 2022

“The idea that this somehow made their dining room classier under those circumstances is just ridiculous,” Mr. Wittman said.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2022

P.S.—Which she isn't proud, but does think it's a little bit classier than an uncle.

From Happy Days by A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne

Stones remains England's classiest defender, and one of their most experienced, who Tuchel would surely call on if he was fit.

From BBC ● Mar. 20, 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

“So sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He’s irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.”

From Washington Times ● Jul. 21, 2023

She learned the names of the classiest brands.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart

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