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 …

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.

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

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

Jun 20, 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 American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Master the word "CUTE" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

He thinks it's cute to tell dirty jokes. (Definition of cute from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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