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

To get the right feeling for a story set in Edwardian London, the Shermans channeled the jaunty tunes of the Music Hall tradition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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:

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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