Meaning & Definition of word "Quaint"

Quaint

/kweɪnt/

adjective:

  • 1. Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
    • Example: The quaint little cottage had a thatched roof and a beautiful garden.
  • 2. Charming in an old-fashioned way.
    • Example: The village is known for its quaint shops and cobblestone streets.
  • 3. Having an unusual or unique quality that is appealing.
    • Example: She wore a quaint hat that drew everyone's attention at the party.
  • 4. Peculiar or uncommon, often in a charming or interesting way.
    • Example: The quaint traditions of the festival made it a memorable event for visitors.

Etymology

From Middle English 'queynt' meaning 'clever, ingenious', later 'strange, unusual'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

quaint as a button:

Very cute or charming.

quaint little town:

A small, attractive town with an old-fashioned atmosphere.

quaint cottage:

A small, charming house that is pleasingly unusual.

Related Words

charm:

The power or quality of delighting or arousing admiration.

nostalgic:

A sentimental longing for the past.

idyllic:

Extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.

Slang Meanings of quaint

Meaning: Cool in an eccentric way.

Example Sentence: That vintage store is really quaint, I love it!

Meaning: An endearing or charmingly weird thing.

Example Sentence: Her closet is full of quaint outfits that you won’t find anywhere else.