tasteful
Americanadjective
adjective
-
indicating good taste
a tasteful design
-
a rare word for tasty
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tasteful
Explanation
Tasteful things are elegant, appropriate, or aesthetically pleasing. You may prefer to hang a single, tasteful holiday wreath on your door — while your neighbor decorates with a somewhat less tasteful 12-foot inflatable Santa surrounded by hot pink reindeer. If you've got good manners, your behavior is tasteful. Having an eye for clothing and decor that's lovely (rather than tacky, ugly or disturbing in some way) is tasteful too. This adjective started came into use in the 17th century. It originally meant "tasting good" but it evolved to mean "having good taste."
Vocabulary lists containing tasteful
What If It's Us
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Honestly Elliott
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Criminal Destiny
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The George Floyd joke, it wasn’t a tasteful joke to our culture,” Hart told the podcast.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
In a YouTube video, Jack Osbourne said the avatar was going to be "tasteful".
From BBC ● May 26, 2026
It’s an oasis for arts, tasteful wealth, and Southern manners in one of the reddest parts of the country.
From Slate ● May 4, 2026
Old Navy’s is somewhat tasteful and tongue-in-cheek, offering a cable-knit cerulean sweater with a charming red high-heel logo, tote bags and tops with a few of the movie’s key phrases printed on them.
From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2026
A caterer served food as music blared over stereo speakers and people remarked on the tasteful grandeur of the house.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
