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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

delicacy

DEH-lih-kuh-see

Delicacy (noun) means a rare or highly valued food, often specific to a culture. Example: “Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries.”

noun
1
A rare or highly valued food, often specific to a culture.
"Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries."
2
The quality of being delicate, fragile, or requiring careful handling.
"The delicacy of the negotiations required a tactful approach."

How to use delicacy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a prized, special kind of food, or the quality of being fragile or requiring tact.

Common pairings
a local delicacy handle with delicacy the delicacy of the situation

Word forms

delicacies plural

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Test yourself on “delicacy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Caviar is considered a _____ in many countries.

Etymology

From Middle English delicacie, from Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus. Equivalent to delic(ate) + -acy.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for delicacy

See all rhymes for delicacy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “delicacy” mean?

The word “delicacy” means a rare or highly valued food, often specific to a culture. In plain terms, either a prized, special kind of food, or the quality of being fragile or requiring tact.

How do you pronounce “delicacy”?

“Delicacy” is pronounced DEH-lih-kuh-see (/ˈdɛlɪkəsi/ in IPA).

How do you use “delicacy” in a sentence?

Here is “delicacy” used in a sentence: “Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries.”

What part of speech is “delicacy”?

“Delicacy” is a noun.

Is “delicacy” a common word?

“Delicacy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “delicacy” have?

“Delicacy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rare or highly valued food, often specific to a culture.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary