del·i·cate
ˈde-li-kət 
1
: pleasing to the senses:
a
: generally pleasant
the climate's delicate, the air most sweet—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
b
: pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way
a delicate aroma
a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes
c
: marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions
a delicate floral print
an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
d
: marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture
a delicate tracery
a delicate lace
2
a
: marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination
delicate insights
a more delicate syntactic analysis—R. H. Robins
R. H. Robins
b
: fastidious, squeamish
a person of delicate tastes
3
4
a
: requiring careful handling:
(1)
: easily unsettled or upset
a delicate balance
the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution—New Yorker
New Yorker
(2)
: requiring skill or tact
in a delicate position
delicate negotiations
a delicate operation
(3)
: involving matters of a deeply personal nature : sensitive
this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone—Daphne Du Maurier
Daphne Du Maurier
b
: marked by care, skill, or tact
her delicate handling of a difficult situation
5
: marked by great precision or sensitivity
a delicate instrument
delicately
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of delicate in a Sentence
Adjective
He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling.
The fabric has a delicate floral print.
We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows.
The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings.
the delicate flavor of the wine
Recent Examples on the Web
Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Emotionally taxing but relieved by passages of cathartic beauty, grace and even humor, this IDFA competition entry deserves delicate handling from discerning specialist distributors, though a lengthy festival run beckons first.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024
The brand recommends machine-washing them on the delicates setting with cold water and laying them flat to dry.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delicate 
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Adjective
From ‘no word for art’ to one of Indian Country’s biggest industries
At the Heard Museum in Phoenix last March, artists unloaded beadwork and baskets, paintings, pottery and photography, jewelry, stone and wood sculptures, textiles and delicate works in glass.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Emotionally taxing but relieved by passages of cathartic beauty, grace and even humor, this IDFA competition entry deserves delicate handling from discerning specialist distributors, though a lengthy festival run beckons first.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
In the light-colored pile, separate delicates (underwear, light-weight blouses) from sheets and towels.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024
The brand recommends machine-washing them on the delicates setting with cold water and laying them flat to dry.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delicate
Dictionary Entries Near delicate
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delicate. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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