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.

From Los Angeles Times

He managed to tear a flat strip of wood from a nearby log and with his pearl-handled penknife whittled a shapely handle.

From Literature

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.

From New York Times

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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