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

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

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.

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

Jan 5, 2026 · Our reaction to cute attributes is understood as the way nature ensures mammals care for their young.

Cuteness may be ascribed to people as well as things that are regarded as attractive or charming. [3]

cute, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Cute definition: Obviously contrived to charm; precious.