Coquette: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a formal or literary context to describe a woman who flirts in a playful or light-hearted manner.

• She was known in the village as a charming coquette who enjoyed light-hearted flirtations.
• The novel's heroine was portrayed as a coquette, captivating every man she met with her playful demeanor.

Commonly used in general conversation to describe someone who engages in playful and often superficial romantic or sexual behavior.

• He's such a flirt; he always knows how to make everyone feel special at parties.
• She can't help but flirt with every good-looking guy she meets.

Often used in informal settings to describe someone who playfully provokes or leads someone on without serious intention. This can sometimes have a negative connotation if it leads to hurt feelings.

• Stop being such a tease! Don't lead him on if you're not interested.
• She's known to be a bit of a tease, always keeping people guessing about her true feelings.

Has a dramatic and often slightly negative connotation, referring to a woman who uses her charms to seduce someone, often with a more serious or manipulative intent.

• In the movie, she played the role of a cunning seductress who could get anything she wanted.
• The legend spoke of a seductress whose beauty could bring even the strongest of men to their knees.

Used to describe a woman who flirts playfully to attract attention and admiration.

• She fluttered her eyelashes, a true coquette at heart.
• At the party, she played the coquette, charming everyone in sight.

Used for a man who places particular importance on his appearance and style, often in an affected manner.

• He walked into the room dressed like a true dandy, every detail meticulously in place.
• In the 19th century, being a dandy meant keeping up with the latest fashion trends.

Describes a man overly concerned with his clothes and appearance, often used negatively and implies vanity.

• Everyone in town knew him as the fop, always preening in front of mirrors.
• His obsession with his wardrobe earned him the reputation of a fop.

Refers to someone who has an interest in arts or a particular subject but without serious commitment or deep knowledge, can be used negatively.

• He dabbled in painting and music but was considered by many to be a mere dilettante.
• Her superficial knowledge of the subject exposed her as a dilettante.