adjective / noun
petite
puh-TEET/pəˈtiːt/
Small and slender, especially describing a woman.
The petite woman stands beside a doorway that emphasizes her small build.
Etymology
French petit means “little”; its feminine form became an English adjective especially for a woman or girl of small build. The central connection is small size.
In context
No one expected that the petite woman would like such a powerful and imposing vehicle—that's the kind of contrast they were talking about.
More examples
- Her petite frame makes the oversized coat look even bigger.
- I wear a petite because regular sizes are too long.
- This store carries petites in a range of styles.
Forms
petite · petites · more petite · most petite