DEBONAIR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does debonair mean? 

• DEBONAIR (adjective)
  The adjective DEBONAIR has 2 senses:

1. having a sophisticated charm

2. having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air

  Familiarity information: DEBONAIR used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEBONAIR (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a sophisticated charm

Synonyms:

debonair; debonaire; debonnaire; suave

Context example:

a debonair gentleman

Similar:

refined ((used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air

Synonyms:

chipper; debonair; debonaire; jaunty

Context example:

a jaunty optimist

Similar:

cheerful (being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits)

 Context examples 

By Saint Paul! cried Sir Nigel, with his one eye glowing like an ember, these appear to be two very worthy and debonair gentlemen.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Good evening, Apollo! she answered, smiling back at him, for he too looked unusually debonair, and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I had feared that in gaining our debonair young man-at-arms we had lost our soft-spoken clerk.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)