petite

1 of 3

adjective

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

petite

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a clothing size for short women

petiteness

3 of 3

noun (2)

pe·​tite·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being petite

Examples of petite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Keep scrolling to shop even more petite-friendly Amazon styles that deserve your attention. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Parton’s publicists never asked for questions in advance or said any topics were off limits — because Parton knew how to handle herself, and though petite, was hardly delicate. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
These high-rise flare jeans go with everything and come in both long and short inseams—crucial for the petite among us. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 With a 26-inch inseam option, petites can finally skip the tailor and spend that extra cash on a round of gelato instead. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for petite

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, feminine of petit

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petite was in 1766

Phrases Containing petite

Rhymes for petite

See All Rhymes for petite

Browse Nearby Words

Petitcodiac
petite
petite bourgeoisie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petite. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

petite

adjective
pe·​tite
pə-ˈtēt
: having a small trim figure

More from Merriam-Webster on petite

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for petite

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