DictionarybonnyAttractive and healthy-looking
adjective

bonny

BON-ee/ˈbɑːni/

Attractive and healthy-looking.

The portrait shows a bonny young woman with a warm smile.

A fresh, lively young woman with a warm smile, bright eyes and naturally rosy cheeks: a simple, appealing portrait emphasizing healthy good looks rather than glamour.
Etymology

Bonny's origin is unknown, though it is presumably connected with Old French bon, meaning “good.” That proposed connection fits its broad use as an appreciative description, not just a judgment of beauty.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain58:59
… the giant had a bonny daughter and she and the lad grew very fond of each other …
1800s Fiction: Joseph Jacobs - English Fairy Tales (Audiobook)

More examples

  • The old song praised a bonny child.
  • They called it a bonny day.
  • Her cheeks looked bonnier after the walk.

Forms

bonny · bonnier · bonniest

Similar words

pretty
The ordinary term for pleasing appearance.
comely
Another literary word for attractive looks.