adjective
Uncommon
quaint
kwaynt
Quaint (adjective) means Attractively unusual or old-fashioned, especially in a charming way. Example: “The village was full of quaint cottages and cobbled streets.”
adjective
1
Attractively unusual or old-fashioned, especially in a charming way.
"The rock is a haven for rare wildlife, a landscape where pretty hedgerows and quaint villages are bordered by a breathtaking, craggy coastline."
— Ian Sample, The Guardian (2011)
"The village was full of quaint cottages and cobbled streets."
"She loved the quaint little bookshop with its creaky wooden floors."
How to use quaint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCharmingly old-fashioned or unusual, in a pleasant way rather than a negative one.
Common mistake
Not simply "old" or "outdated" — quaint always carries a positive, charmed tone.
Common pairings
a quaint village
quaint little shop
quaint tradition
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Word forms
- Plural
- quaints
- Comparative
- quainter
- Superlative
- quaintest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The village was full of _____ cottages and cobbled streets.
Etymology
From Old French cointe ("clever, elegant"), from Latin cognitus ("known"); the meaning shifted over centuries from "clever" to "curiously old-fashioned but charming."
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for quaint
See all rhymes for quaint →Frequently asked questions
What does “quaint” mean?
The word “quaint” means attractively unusual or old-fashioned, especially in a charming way. In plain terms, charmingly old-fashioned or unusual, in a pleasant way rather than a negative one.
How do you pronounce “quaint”?
“Quaint” is pronounced kwaynt (/kweɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “quaint” in a sentence?
Here is “quaint” used in a sentence: “The village was full of quaint cottages and cobbled streets.”
What part of speech is “quaint”?
“Quaint” is an adjective.
Where does the word “quaint” come from?
The word “quaint” comes from Latin. From Old French cointe ("clever, elegant"), from Latin cognitus ("known"); the meaning shifted over centuries from "clever" to "curiously old-fashioned but charming.".
Is “quaint” a common word?
“Quaint” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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