jaunty

[ jawn-tee, jahn- ]

/ ˈdʒɔn ti, ˈdʒɑn- /

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See synonyms for: jaunty / jauntily / jauntiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, jaun·ti·er, jaun·ti·est.

easy and sprightly in manner or bearing: to walk with a jaunty step.

smartly trim, as clothing: a jaunty hat.

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fuscous

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Origin of jaunty

First recorded in 1655–65; earlier jentee, juntee, from French gentil “noble, gentle” (see genteel), with ending taken as -y¹

OTHER WORDS FROM jaunty

jaun·ti·ly, adverbjaun·ti·ness, nounun·jaun·ty, adjective

Words nearby jaunty

jaundiced, jaundice of newborn, jaunt, jauntily, jaunting car, jaunty, jaup, Jaurès, Jav., Java, Java black rot

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use jaunty in a sentence

They belie the jaunty persona she presented to most of her correspondents and illuminate the lengths she went to conceal her unhappiness.
Shirley Jackson’s letters reveal the droll voice of an aggrieved working mother|Jennifer Reese|July 29, 2021|Washington Post
Emily Hoxworth Hager assembles frog, bat and bird bones into a jaunty little creature outfitted with hat and staff.
In the galleries: A painful, political take on the art of cruel shoes|Mark Jenkins|April 9, 2021|Washington Post
That song would soon morph from the jaunty clip of the light rail to the siren sounds of jazz.
Those Kansas City Blues: A Family History|Katie Baker|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"It's been weeks since I left my mark," he said in his jaunty British accent.
‘True Detective’ Finale Review: Close to Perfection|Andrew Romano|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Baldwin introduced the show wearing a jaunty blue blazer, but conducted the taped interview wearing a sober gray suit.
'Up Late with Alec Baldwin' is a Snooze|Lloyd Grove|October 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She perfectly captures the jaunty, businesslike hooker enjoying the absurd side of her job.
Isabelle Huppert Plays a Call Girl|Tracy Quan|August 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
"Leebie Granger is young," he went on insultingly, in a collected even voice which he strove to make jaunty in tone.
The Underworld|James C. Welsh
And when it is contented it seems to be smiling from the corners of its mouth to the jaunty little curl in its tail.
The Red Cow and Her Friends|Peter McArthur
He came at a brisk pace, carrying his fifty-two years with a jaunty vigor that was the envy of many a younger man.
The Missing Formula|Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
One day a man, wearing a jaunty silk hat, came into my office.
My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands|George Francis Train
He stooped to kiss her, and then went off, whistling a jaunty air meant to indicate extreme cheerfulness.
The White Shield|Myrtle Reed

British Dictionary definitions for jaunty

jaunty

/ (ˈdʒɔːntɪ) /

adjective -tier or -tiest

sprightly, self-confident, and cheerful; briska jaunty step

smart; trima jaunty hat

Derived forms of jaunty

jauntily, adverbjauntiness, noun

Word Origin for jaunty

C17: from French gentil noble; see genteel

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

jaunty

Origin of jaunty

OTHER WORDS FROM jaunty

Words nearby jaunty

Words related to jaunty

How to use jaunty in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for jaunty

Derived forms of jaunty

Word Origin for jaunty