Search Dictionary
Definition of debonair

debonair

/ˌdɛb.əˈnɛər/
(UK: debonair)
deb · o · nair
Adverb:debonairly
JUMP TO:

debonair Lexical Profile

debonair Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Confident, stylish, and charming in manner or appearance (typically used of a man).

Example

"The classic film star was famous for his debonair charm and impeccably tailored suits."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for debonair
Antonyms
View all antonyms for debonair

Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary English, 'debonair' is used almost exclusively to describe men or their stylish, confident demeanor, whereas in Middle English it originally meant 'gentle' or 'courteous' and applied to anyone.

• Rhymes for debonair

• Nearby Words

debility
debit
deboard
debonair
debone
debrecen
debrief

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'debonaire', contraction of the phrase 'de bon aire', literally meaning 'of good lineage' or 'of good disposition' (originally referring to well-bred hawks in falconry).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debonair. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debonair
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.