delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of delightful
: highly pleasing
a delightful surprise
enjoyed a delightful brunch
delightfully
di-ˈlīt-fə-lē How to pronounce delightful (audio)
dē-
adverb
delightfulness noun

Synonyms of delightful

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Examples of delightful in a Sentence

It has been delightful meeting you. That was a delightful party.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Executive Chef Carlos Segura collaborated with every other chef working in the resort to create a delightful tasting menu of all their favorite dishes from their grandmas growing up. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Though delightful to the touch, the luxurious fabric doesn’t exactly present a formidable barrier. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026 His delightful turn as the vaguely insufferable, do-gooding mayor in Eddington was there primarily to prod weirdo sheriff Joaquin Phoenix further into homicidal neurosis. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 The delightful casting choices were made by the brand’s Creative Director, Miuccia Prada, who has always seemed to pride herself on taking a direction least expected. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delightful

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deliteful, from delite delight entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delightful was in the 14th century

Rhymes for delightful

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Browse Nearby Words

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delightful
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Cite this Entry

“Delightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightful. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

delightful

adjective
de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl How to pronounce delightful (audio)
: highly pleasing : giving delight
delightfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce delightful (audio)
adverb
delightfulness noun
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