delicacy
noun
del·i·ca·cy
ˈde-li-kə-sē 
plural delicacies
1
: something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious
considered caviar a delicacy
2
a
: the quality or state of being dainty (see dainty entry 2 sense 2) : fineness
lace of great delicacy
the delicacy of a spider web
b
: frailty sense 1
the delicacy of his health
3
: fineness or subtle expressiveness of touch (as in painting or music)
4
a
: refined sensibility in feeling or conduct
handled the difficult situation with delicacy
b
: the quality or state of being squeamish
Hunger knows no delicacy.
5
: the quality or state of requiring delicate (see delicate entry 1 sense 4b) handling
the delicacy of the tense negotiations
6
a
: precise and refined perception and discrimination
the delicacy of his taste in art
b
: extreme sensitivity : precision
an electronic instrument of great delicacy
7
Examples of delicacy in a Sentence
The restaurant serves delicious sausages and other regional delicacies.
the delicacy of the glassware
The curtains were made from fine lace of great delicacy.
a musician known for the delicacy of her compositions
the delicacy of the young boy's features
the delicacy of the perfume
the delicacy of the wine's flavor
Because of the delicacy of the situation, we needed to speak privately.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the delicacy of trade stunting a major project, the company has continued to acquire properties around the country.
—
Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Local delicacies like horseshoe crab, which is served as a salad or grilled, and barbecued crocodile skewers are some of the more unique options.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
Monks will prepare non-vegetarian delicacies (in buffet style) like momos, pingsha, alu khatsa, famous hot sauce and Tibetan tea for guests.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
Famed for its heat, laal maas has long been a delicacy in India's northwest state of Rajasthan.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicacy
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Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Local delicacies like horseshoe crab, which is served as a salad or grilled, and barbecued crocodile skewers are some of the more unique options.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
Monks will prepare non-vegetarian delicacies (in buffet style) like momos, pingsha, alu khatsa, famous hot sauce and Tibetan tea for guests.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
Famed for its heat, laal maas has long been a delicacy in India's northwest state of Rajasthan.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Cite this Entry
“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delicacy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
delicacy
noun
del·i·ca·cy
ˈdel-i-kə-sē
plural delicacies
1
: something pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury
2
a
: fineness of structure : daintiness
lace of great delicacy
b
: weakness of body : frailty
the delicacy of his health
3
: the ability to express very slight degrees of feeling (as in painting or music)
4
: consideration for the feelings of others
5
: the ability to sense or indicate very slight differences : precision
6
: the tendency to be or state of being squeamish
7
: the quality or state of requiring careful treatment
the delicacy of a situation
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