Skip to main content
delicate

delicate

4 4.6
Clothes made from fine fragile materials that need gentle washing
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛlɪkɪt/
translation icon : ropa delicada
  • Cher's bra is among the famous delicates on display.
  • wash delicates

Examples

  • So basically this refreshes all your garments, even the delicate ones with gentle, fast drying.

  • Please remember to wash your delicates on a gentle cycle to avoid damaging them.

  • If you wear little white pearls and delicate jewelry, people might think bridal.

  • I think I read somewhere that washing soda is not good with wool and delicates, but perhaps someone could confirm this?

    Blog text (18)
  • We kept on with the clotheslines in the garage and outside because it is quite practical and saves a good bit of money to dry bulky things like comforters and similar items, as well as delicates, on the line.

    Blog text (20)
  • Also: I want a new laundry basket and a bag for my delicates, like a normal grown-up person who doesn't just put up with snags and pulled threads in their clothing but has a proper bag for things with hooks to go in!

    Blog text (32)
  • I always use a mesh bag for my delicates to keep them safe in the washing machine.

  • Her wardrobe is filled with beautiful delicates made of silk and lace that require careful handling.

Antonyms

1 3.7

A product made to last many years, like a fridge or washing machine

Compounds

A fine, light piece of cloth worn over the face for decoration or during ceremonies

How Delicate

flimsy
25 3.8
fragile
83 3.4
delicate
4 4.6
sturdy
76 2.1
durable
56 3.6

Surface Forms

delicate singular
delicates plural

Etymology

The word delicate comes from the Latin delicatus, meaning 'dainty' or 'fine', a word for small, lovely things. So 'delicates' are fine clothes made from fragile material that need gentle washing.