jaunty

[jawn-tee, jahn-]

adjective

jauntier, jauntiest 

1. easy and sprightly in manner or bearing.

   to walk with a jaunty step.

2. smartly trim, as clothing.

   a jaunty hat.

jaunty

/ ˈdʒɔːntɪ /

adjective

1. sprightly, self-confident, and cheerful; brisk

   a jaunty step

2. smart; trim

   a jaunty hat

Other Word Forms

• jauntily adverb
• jauntiness noun
• unjaunty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaunty¹

First recorded in 1655–65; earlier jentee, juntee, from French gentil “noble, gentle” ( genteel ), with ending taken as -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaunty¹

C17: from French gentil noble; see _genteel

Example Sentences

First, exuberant electronic music, “Secret Teardrops” by Martin Rev, plays right before she eats, followed by the jaunty track, “25 Miles” by Edwin Starr, as she embarks on her food tour of the city.

From Salon

It sounds fantastic, and it’s so loyal to every jaunty warble that audiences might not notice.

From Los Angeles Times

Mazie was my sweet girl, a jaunty caramel-colored spaniel with bulgy brown eyes that radiated love, even in her final days when she fell almost every time she tried to stand.

From Los Angeles Times

Why Remmick’s song choice is so disquieting isn’t apparent, aside from the odd juxtaposition between the lyrics and his jaunty cheerfulness:

From Salon

The jaunty letters being sent from the US to its trading partners this week are simply a reincarnation of that infamous White House "Liberation Day" blue board.

From BBC

Related Words

• breezy 
• buoyant 
• carefree 
• devilish 
• impish 
• jolly 
• jovial 
• perky 
• playful 
• rollicking 
• sprightly