graceful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of graceful
A late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at grace, -ful
Explanation
Use the adjective graceful to describe movements that are lovely and elegant. If you watch a yoga class, you'll see a variety of styles, ranging from awkward to graceful. Were some people born graceful? From their elegant way they move to their great timing and well-chosen words, being graceful does seem to come naturally to some. For others, it comes with practice and being focused. For example, the discipline of ballet makes dancers graceful — even when reaching for something on a high shelf at the grocery store.
Vocabulary lists containing graceful
Power Suffix: -ful
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Single Shard
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A Premier League scouting report from that game suggests the midfielder's talent was quickly apparent, acknowledging his "great athleticism, long legs, graceful running and work-rate".
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
The British Trust for Ornithology said there were a handful of sightings of the "slender and graceful" bird in the UK, mostly from August to October.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
This graceful film chronicles the process by which Fatima gradually sheds that reserve.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026
Only a few years ago, he was a mystery, this international big man from Paris with an ectomorphic frame, graceful moves and a gentle, looping teardrop of a jump shot.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
He is graceful and generous, effortlessly charming, an aid to any party.
From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
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.
