Definition of 'style'

Word Frequency

style

(staɪl )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense styles , present participle styling , past tense, past participle styled

1. countable noun [oft in adj N]

The style of something is the general way in which it is done or presented, which often shows the attitudes of the people involved.

Our children's different needs and learning styles created many problems.

Belmont Park is a broad sweeping track which will suit the European style of running.

Sam celebrated in fine style.

Synonyms: manner, way, method, approach More Synonyms of style

2. uncountable noun [oft in NOUN]

If people or places have style, they are smart and elegant.

Bournemouth, you have to admit, has style.

Both love doing things in style.

She had not lost her grace and style.

Synonyms: elegance, taste, chic, flair [informal] More Synonyms of style

3. variable noun

The style of a product is its design.

His 50 years of experience have given him strong convictions about style.

Several styles of hat were available.

Synonyms: design, form, cut More Synonyms of style

4. countable noun

In the arts, a particular style is characteristic of a particular period or group of people.

...six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy.

...a mixture of musical styles.

...the revival of the gothic style.

Synonyms: type, sort, kind, spirit More Synonyms of style

5. verb [usually passive]

If something such as a piece of clothing, a vehicle, or someone's hair is styled in a particular way, it is designed or shaped in that way.

His thick blond hair had just been styled before his trip. [be VERB-ed]

...classically styled clothes. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: design, cut, tailor, fashion More Synonyms of style

6. See also old-style, self-styled, styling

See not sb's style

8. to cramp someone's style

More Synonyms of style

Word Frequency

-style

(-staɪl )

1. combining form [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

-style combines with nouns and adjectives to form adjectives which describe the style or characteristics of something.

...the development of a Western-style political system.

...a hearty country-style dinner.

2. combining form [ADVERB after verb]

-style combines with adjectives and nouns to form adverbs which describe how something is done.

Guests have been asked to dress 1920s-style.

Video: pronunciation of
style

style in British English

(staɪl )

noun

a form of appearance, design, or production; type or make

a new style of house

the way in which something is done

good or bad style

the manner in which something is expressed or performed, considered as separate from its intrinsic content, meaning, etc

a distinctive, formal, or characteristic manner of expression in words, music, painting, etc

elegance or refinement of manners, dress, etc

prevailing fashion in dress, looks, etc

a fashionable or ostentatious mode of existence

to live in style

the particular mode of orthography, punctuation, design, etc, followed in a book, journal, etc, or in a printing or publishing house

9. mainly British

the distinguishing title or form of address of a person or firm

10. botany

the stalk of a carpel, bearing the stigma

11. zoology

a slender pointed structure, such as the piercing mouthparts of certain insects

12.

a method of expressing or calculating dates

Old Style, New Style

13. another word for stylus (sense 1)

14.

the arm of a sundial

verb (mainly tr)

15.

to design, shape, or tailor

to style hair

16.

to adapt or make suitable (for)

17.

to make consistent or correct according to a printing or publishing style

18.

to name or call; designate

to style a man a fool

19. (intransitive)

to decorate objects using a style or stylus

Derived forms

stylar (ˈstylar)

adjective

styler (ˈstyler)

noun

Word origin

C13: from Latin stylus, stilus writing implement, hence characteristics of the writing, style

Word Frequency

style in American English

(staɪl )

noun

a sharp, slender, pointed instrument used by the ancients in writing on wax tablets

any of several devices, etc. similar in shape or use

; specif.,

a. Obsolete

a pen

an etching needle

an engraving tool

the pointer on a dial, chart, etc.

the gnomon of a sundial

f. Botany

the slender, stalklike part of a carpel between the stigma and the ovary

g. Zoology

a small, pointed projection or bristlelike process, as on some insects

manner or mode of expression in language, as distinct from the ideas expressed; way of using words to express thoughts

specific or characteristic manner of expression, execution, construction, or design, in any art, period, work, employment, etc.

the Byzantine style, modern style

distinction, excellence, originality, and character in any form of artistic or literary expression

an author who lacks style

the way in which anything is made or done

the current, fashionable way of dressing, speaking, acting, etc.

something stylish; esp., a garment of current, smart design

a fashionable, luxurious existence

to live in style

distinction and elegance of manner and bearing

form of address; title

entitled to the style of Mayor

sort; kind; variety; type

10.

a way of reckoning time, dates, etc.

Examples of 'style' in a sentence
style

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There is something new about your love style that intrigues a partner.But this was more the manor house style.You can add more styling products on top. Comes with a special spray to apply before you style your hair.The style is elegant and refined but with contemporary touches.The difference between design and style is culture.With style and impeccable manners he did all these things plus many more.We humans change our style of dress for the winter.The criminally good comedy series comes to an end in fine style.His original flow and diverse styles make this record worthy of attention.