Dapper - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (2024)

dapperly; dapperest; dapperer

A neatly and stylishly dressed man can be described as dapper. If you like to wear a well-made fedora, you appreciate clothes. Place a brightly colored feather in the brim and you’re dapper.

Dapper is a Germanic word coming from a Middle Dutch word that meant "strong," "quick," or "nimble." Think of the words dashing, jaunty and spiffy when you think of dapper as these are all near synonyms. All of these words are used specifically to describe men. Although there doesn't seem to be a parallel term for a well-dressed woman, if you call her chic or stylish, she will be pleased.

Definitions of dapper

  1. adjective

    marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

    “a dapper young man”

    synonyms:dashing, jaunty, natty, raffish, rakish, snappy, spiffy, spruce
    fashionable, stylish

    being or in accordance with current social fashions

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘dapper'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback

Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing dapper

Dapper - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (1)

Operation Sisterhood

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

When eleven-year-old Tokunbo Marshall moves with her mother into a Harlem brownstone, she must adjust to an extended family that includes three new sisters who see everything in life as a possible project in their self-designed education.

Dapper - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (2)

Fake ID

Lamar Giles

Because his family is in witness protection, fifteen-year-old Nick Pearson (not his real name) is supposed to remain low-key, but he has trouble doing that when another member of the Stepton High newspaper uncovers some secrets.

Dapper - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (3)

The Dark Prophecy

Rick Riordan

In this second book of the series The Trials of Apollo, Lester must reclaim and protect five Oracles from three evil emperors with help from the demigod Leo Valdez, bronze dragon Festus, and sorceress Calypso.

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Dapper - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (2024)
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