# dinky

/ˈdɪŋki/ (US) · /dˈɪŋki/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dinky
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

small and neat in a cute way. You use it for little houses, cars, or things that are tiny but nice.

For teachers: small and neatly attractive, often implying cuteness because of diminutive size. Typically describes small objects, rooms, vehicles, or settlements.

## Examples

- They live in a dinky flat near the station.
- She drives a dinky little car that fits easily into tight parking spaces downtown.
- From the hill, the harbour looked like a toy set, with dinky boats bobbing beside warehouses that seemed no bigger than matchboxes.

## Synonyms

Tiny, Small, Little

## Antonyms

big, large

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also common in predicative use after 'look' or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.