Dictionary
homely
adjective home·ly \ˈhōm-lē\
: not pretty or handsome : plain or unattractive
: plain and simple in an appealing or pleasant way
home·li·erhome·li·est
Full Definition of HOMELY
1
: suggestive or characteristic of a home
2
: being something familiar with which one is at home <satisfy themselves with houses, furniture, books and clothes that were worn and homely and friendly to the touch — Brendan Gill>
3
a : unaffectedly natural : simple b : not elaborate or complex <homely virtues>
4
: plain or unattractive in appearance
— home·li·ness noun
See homely defined for English-language learners
See homely defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of HOMELY
14th century
Related to HOMELY
- Synonyms
- grotesque, hideous, ugly, ill-favored, monstrous, unappealing, unattractive, unbeautiful, uncomely, unhandsome, unlovely, unpleasing, unpretty, unsightly, vile
- Antonyms
- aesthetic (also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical), attractive, beauteous, beautiful, bonny (also bonnie) [chiefly British], comely, cute, drop-dead, fair, fetching, good-looking, goodly, gorgeous, handsome, knockout, lovely, pretty, ravishing, seemly, sightly, stunning, taking, well-favored
HOMELY Defined for Kids
homely
adjective home·ly \ˈhōm-lē\
home·li·erhome·li·est
Definition of HOMELY for Kids
1
: not pretty or handsome <a homely face>
2
: suggesting home life <homely comforts> <… there it was, a plain, homely little house … — Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting>
Learn More About HOMELY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up homely? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).