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.
The Pikachu treat is a delightful homage to the electric mascot. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 The key note is lentisque, a shrub that is native to the Mediterranean and elevated by the delightful sweetness of mandarin. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 Now in his early nineties, Gregory (My Dinner with André, NYFF19) shows no sign of slowing down, as evidenced by this delightful, enormously moving document of his inextinguishable creative spark. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 This Sag Harbor home is a delightful design mashup with a modernist exterior and mid-century modern interiors. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 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

delighter
delightful
delightfully
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Cite this Entry

“Delightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightful. Accessed 16 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on delightful

Nglish: Translation of delightful for Spanish Speakers

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