: having a small trim figure
—usually used of a woman
petiteness
noun
: a clothing size for short women
Examples of petite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2024
To give her silhouette some shape, the petite Coughlan cinched it with not one but two black leather belts.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2024
What could be better than a 3-in-1 purse set that includes a large zippered tote, a petite satchel, and a wallet?
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
The menu includes pastries, soup, salad and a dessert choice of strawberry shortcake, French silk pot de creme or a petite cheese plate.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024
Servers cut cramped zigzags across the packed ballroom wielding trays of bubbling hot mac ’n’ cheese, truffle pizza and petite cheeseburgers with tiny paper cones full of crisp fries while winners waited with their handlers to see their statues marked with their wins.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024
Also, the technology in this car is top-tier and needed for a petite woman like me.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024
This new patent leather Bamboo 1947 Mini Top Handle Bag from Gucci creative director Sabato De Sarno makes a big statement with its petite size and bold colors (think dark red, pink, orange and black).
—Marques Harper, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024
Those with longer or shorter torsos can also rejoice–there are regular and petite options within each size.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024
Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
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
Adjective
Our little bush camp is a hive of activity as Mike's team pitches tents and a petite cook named Pie stirs a cauldron of chicken curry over a campfire.
—Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2024
To give her silhouette some shape, the petite Coughlan cinched it with not one but two black leather belts.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2024
What could be better than a 3-in-1 purse set that includes a large zippered tote, a petite satchel, and a wallet?
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
The menu includes pastries, soup, salad and a dessert choice of strawberry shortcake, French silk pot de creme or a petite cheese plate.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024
Servers cut cramped zigzags across the packed ballroom wielding trays of bubbling hot mac ’n’ cheese, truffle pizza and petite cheeseburgers with tiny paper cones full of crisp fries while winners waited with their handlers to see their statues marked with their wins.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024
Also, the technology in this car is top-tier and needed for a petite woman like me.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024
This new patent leather Bamboo 1947 Mini Top Handle Bag from Gucci creative director Sabato De Sarno makes a big statement with its petite size and bold colors (think dark red, pink, orange and black).
—Marques Harper, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024
Those with longer or shorter torsos can also rejoice–there are regular and petite options within each size.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024
Noun
Although these may not be the best choice of earbuds for frequent flyers, the Air 2 ship with excellent silicone ear tips in four different sizes ranging from petite to elephantine.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
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
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Petite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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
Nglish: Translation of petite for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of petite for Arabic Speakers
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