petite

American  

[puh-teet] / pəˈtit /

adjective

1. relating to or being a woman who is short and has a small, trim figure; diminutive: The sash accentuates her petite waist.

   She is a petite brunette.

   The sash accentuates her petite waist.

2. small; little.

   I usually buy frozen petite peas.

   Traveling by air with your petite pooch or kitty has never been easier!

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noun

1. a category of clothing sized for women or girls of less than average height.

2. a garment in such a size.

   The petites are on that rack.

3. a woman or girl who wears clothing of such a size.

petite British  

/ pəˈtiːt /

adjective

1. (of a woman) small, delicate, and dainty

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Other Word Forms

• petiteness noun

Etymology

Origin of petite

First recorded in 1760–70; from French; feminine of petit

Example Sentences

The woman was blond and petite and wore jeans and a long-sleeved denim shirt.

From Literature

But despite loving the petite coupe, she wouldn't recommend it as a daily runaround.

From BBC

Kohl’s is trying to undo missteps that included scaling back petite sizes, fine jewelry and private brands in its stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Italian nappa leather, this petite clutch can corral her euro coins—and store international currency between trips.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s also a petite variety in a 2-inch pot designed to enliven an office desk without taking up too much space.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dainty
• diminutive