prettiness

noun

pret·​ti·​ness ˈpri-tē-nəs How to pronounce prettiness (audio)
ˈpər-,
ˈpru̇-
1
: the quality or state of being pretty
2
: something pretty

Examples of prettiness in a Sentence

the sugary prettiness of the knickknacks is sure to appeal to a certain type of collector
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.
Often, Eastwood uses the surroundings as a kind of misdirect, indicating through their prettiness that all is right with the world — as in a romantic montage featuring Eastwood and Mills that plays for far longer than its narrative function requires. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024 And if prettiness isn’t your overwhelmingly defining feature, people will use other complimentary adjectives to encourage you: smart, clever, fastidious, well-behaved, talented, funny, etc. Sable Yong, TIME, 28 June 2024 Our appetite for beauty demands some variety, and if everyone looks the same then prettiness becomes redundant and boring. Sable Yong, TIME, 28 June 2024 Occasionally, these innovations go beyond mere prettiness to genuine wit, as with ice cubes for martinis that come with olives and olive brine inside. Ligaya Mishan Esther Choi, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for prettiness 

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prettiness was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near prettiness

Cite this Entry

“Prettiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prettiness. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prettiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!