debonair Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having a sophisticated charm
    suave; debonnaire; debonaire.
    • a debonair gentleman
  2. adjective satellite having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
    chipper; debonaire; jaunty.
    • looking chipper, like a man...diverted by his own wit"- Frances G. Patton
    • life that is gay, brisk, and debonair"- H.M.Reynolds
    • walked with a jaunty step
    • a jaunty optimist

WordNet

Deb`o*nair" adjective
Etymology
OE. debonere, OF. de bon aire, debonaire, of good descent or lineage, excellent, debonair, F. débonnaire debonair; de of (L. de) + bon good (L. bonus) + aire. See Air, and Bounty, and cf. Bonair.
Definitions
  1. Characterized by courteousness, affability, or gentleness; of good appearance and manners; graceful; complaisant.
    Was never prince so meek and debonair. Spenser.

Webster 1913