The contraction cute first appears in the early 18th century, but only a century later does it begin to take on its distinctive modern meaning; even after 1900 children were still being called cute as a …

CUTE definition: attractive, especially in a dainty way; pleasingly pretty. See examples of cute used in a sentence.

CUTE definition: 1. (especially of something or someone small or young) pleasant and attractive: 2. trying to be…. Learn more.

Dec 19, 2025 · Our reaction to cute attributes is understood as the way nature ensures mammals care for their young.

Definition of cute adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Word History: Cute was originally a shortened form of acute in the sense "keenly perceptive or discerning, shrewd." In this sense cute is first recorded in a dictionary published in 1731.

adj. attractive, esp. in a dainty way; pleasingly pretty: a cute child; a cute little apartment. affectedly or mincingly pretty or clever; precious: The child has acquired some intolerably cute mannerisms. …

Something or someone that is cute is very pretty or attractive, or is intended to appear pretty or attractive.

The adjective cute describes something that’s attractive in a pleasing, nonthreatening way. Things that are small or young are often described as cute, like babies, puppies, or toy fire engines.

CUTE meaning: 1 : having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance; 2 : attractive in a sexual way