First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1style
noun \ˈstī(-ə)l\
: a particular way in which something is done, created, or performed
: a particular form or design of something
: a way of behaving or of doing things
Full Definition of STYLE
1
: designation, title
2
a : a distinctive manner of expression (as in writing or speech) <writes with more attention to style than to content> <the flowery style of 18th century prose> b : a distinctive manner or custom of behaving or conducting oneself <the formal style of the court> <his style is abrasive>; also : a particular mode of living <in high style> c : a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed <a unique style of horseback riding> <the classical style of dance>
3
a : stylus b : gnomon 1b c : the filiform usually elongated part of the pistil bearing a stigma at its apex — see flower illustration d : a slender elongated process (as a bristle) on an animal
4
: a distinctive quality, form, or type of something <a new dress style> <the Greek style of architecture>
5
a : the state of being popular : fashion <clothes that are always in style> b : fashionable elegance c : beauty, grace, or ease of manner or technique <an awkward moment she handled with style>
6
: a convention with respect to spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and typographic arrangement and display followed in writing or printing
— style·less \ˈstī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective
— style·less·ness noun
See style defined for English-language learners
See style defined for kids
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Origin of STYLE
Middle English stile, style, from Latin stilus spike, stem, stylus, style of writing; perhaps akin to Latin instigare to goad — more at stick
Synonym Discussion of STYLE
fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date. fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place <the current fashion>. style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste <a media baron used to traveling in style>. mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated <slim bodies are the mode at this resort>. vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion <short skirts are back in vogue>. fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion <last year's fad is over>. rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad <Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time> <crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted>.
2style
transitive verb
: to give (yourself) a name or title even if you do not really deserve it
: to give a particular shape to (someone's hair)
: to design (something) for a particular purpose
styledstyl·ing
Full Definition of STYLE
1
: to call or designate by an identifying term : name
2
a : to give a particular style to b : to design, make, or arrange in accord with the prevailing mode
— styl·er noun
First Known Use of STYLE
circa 1580
STYLE Defined for Kids
1style
noun \ˈstīl\
Definition of STYLE for Kids
1
: a particular form or design of something <classical style of dance> <Dinner was served buffet style.>
2
: a way of speaking or writing
3
: an individual way of behaving or doing something <He changed his style of holding the bat and hit more balls.>
4
: a method, manner, or quality that is felt to be very respectable, fashionable, or proper : fashion <They dine in style.> <Dad's clothes are out of style.>
5
: an easy and graceful manner <She handled the situation with style.>
6
: the narrow middle part of the pistil of a flower
2style
verb
styledstyl·ing
Definition of STYLE for Kids
1
: to design and make in a known or new style <well-styled hats>
2
: to give a special shape to someone's hair
3
: to identify by some descriptive term : call <She styles herself an expert.>
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