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 service Employees are beautiful, plentiful and delightful, with a high staff-to-resident ratio that keeps guests from feeling overlooked, although communication between departments could be better. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 The transformation has been one of the most delightful parts of Colman's Wicker press tour (which is saying something, considering the cast is a joy in and of themselves). — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 In this delightful Victorian-era novel, genius economist Reina Martin strategizes to become London’s first female banker. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 Talking Heads frontman David Byrne makes a delightful cameo as the fictional host Johnny Johnson, while producer Dan Nigro features in the video as well. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 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
delightfully
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Cite this Entry

“Delightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightful. Accessed 27 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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