petite

1 of 2

adjective

pe·​tite pə-ˈtēt How to pronounce petite (audio)
: having a small trim figure
usually used of a woman
petiteness noun

petite

2 of 2

noun

: a clothing size for short women

Examples of petite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Also of note: The pieces are available in Abercrombie's size range (XXS to XL) and lengths (petite, regular, and tall). Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 The collection features Barbie dolls with wheelchairs, hearing aids, Down syndrome and inclusive body types that launched in 2016 like curvy, tall and petite. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 While the medium blue shade closely resembles Gaines’ pair, these bottoms are also available in dark navy blue, as well as tall and petite lengths. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 To figure out how such petite fish can make so much noise, scientists put groups of three to four fish inside a tank. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 After baking petite red potatoes, the interior is scooped out to create the filling mixed with capers, fresh herbs, mustard, and sour cream. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 That includes cardiovascular issues – which is why Robinson, a petite 50-year-old exuding uplifting energy, is here. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 The woman seen in the video is tall, and their mother is a petite woman, the children said. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2024 Get The Recipe 75 of 75 Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes With Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream Create petite white cakes for your celebration by cutting your sheet cake into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
Noun
Shop women’s clothing in sizes ranging from petite to plus, along with jewelry, handbags and other accessories to put together complete looks. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 That Helen Mirren–and her stylist Rachel Fanconi—should call on les petites mains of Dolce & Gabbana for this year’s Golden Globes ceremony should come as little surprise. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2024 And with 17 shades and 14 sizes to choose from (ranging petite to plus), there’s a look for just about everyone. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 26 Nov. 2023 There were only the large tracksuit bottoms to try, but judging by their size on me, the petite might benefit from sizing down. Amel Mukhtar, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2023 The Tailored Puffer Coat This tailored puffer coat in small is a game-changer for petites like me. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 19 Oct. 2023 The boxy silhouette falls just below the belly button for a flattering fit, particularly for petites. Andie Kanaras, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2023 These faux leather leggings only come in a standard 27-inch inseam, which is something to consider for anyone needing petite or tall length options. Nikita Charuza, Peoplemag, 23 Oct. 2023 Add petite potted African violets for pops of purple. Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, feminine of petit

First Known Use

Adjective

1784, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petite was in 1784

Dictionary Entries Near petite

Cite this Entry

“Petite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

petite

adjective
pe·​tite
pə-ˈtēt
: having a small trim figure
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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