adj
Uncommon
Bonnie
BO-nee
Bonnie (adj) means Attractive, pretty, or pleasing, especially in Scottish usage. Example: “She sang about the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”
adj
1
Attractive, pretty, or pleasing, especially in Scottish usage.
"She sang about the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond."
How to use Bonnie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPretty or pleasant-looking — a warm, old-fashioned Scottish compliment.
When to use it
Chiefly Scottish and northern English; also common as a given name.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bonnies
- Comparative
- bonnier, more bonnie
- Superlative
- bonniest, most bonnie
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sang about the _____ banks of Loch Lomond.
Etymology
Traced to Scottish English bonnie, meaning fine or beautiful, of uncertain deeper origin.
Related words
Rhymes for Bonnie
See all rhymes for Bonnie →Frequently asked questions
What does “Bonnie” mean?
The word “Bonnie” means attractive, pretty, or pleasing, especially in Scottish usage. In plain terms, pretty or pleasant-looking — a warm, old-fashioned Scottish compliment.
How do you pronounce “Bonnie”?
“Bonnie” is pronounced BO-nee (/ˈbɒni/ in IPA).
How do you use “Bonnie” in a sentence?
Here is “Bonnie” used in a sentence: “She sang about the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”
What part of speech is “Bonnie”?
“Bonnie” is an adjective.
Is “Bonnie” a common word?
“Bonnie” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is Bonnie a Scottish word, or is it used elsewhere too?
Bonnie is especially associated with Scottish usage, where it describes something attractive, pretty, or pleasing. While it can appear in other English dialects, its strongest and most traditional association is with Scotland.
What is the difference between bonnie and pretty?
Bonnie and pretty both describe attractiveness, but bonnie carries a distinctly Scottish flavor and often a warmer, more affectionate tone, such as in "a bonnie lass." Pretty is a more neutral, universally used English term without that regional association.
