shapely

[sheyp-lee]

adjective

shapelier, shapeliest 

1. having a pleasing shape, especially with reference to a woman's figure.

shapely

/ ˈʃeɪplɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a woman's body or legs) pleasing or attractive in shape

Other Word Forms

• shapeliness noun
• unshapeliness noun
• unshapely adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shapely¹

1325–75; shape + -ly; replacing Middle English shaply, schaply; compare Old English gesceaplīce (adv.) fitly

Example Sentences

He made Eve the shining star — a graceful beauty, her shapely body framed by an explosive sunburst of wavy hair.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But as the dance progressed, a certain softness prevailed, reinforced by the choreography’s buttery pliés, shapely arms and softly bent knees in leg extensions.

Read more on New York Times

In the place of cabinets, it featured exposed wooden shelves stocked with shapely glass jars of potions and preserves.

Read more on New York Times

Eve’s long, spiraling strands of hair blow out into a radiant aureole behind her shapely body, as if it were a starburst halo framing a divinity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He says he took the above photo when "like so many others that day and on countless days before us, we rested awhile at Sycamore Gap admiring the tree's shapely tenacity and vigour".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• comely 
• curvaceous 
• elegant 
• graceful 
• pleasing 
• rounded