# petite

/pəˈtit/ (US) · /pətˈiːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/petite
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. small and slender build

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a woman who is short and has a thin, delicate frame.

For teachers: referring to a woman of small stature and slim, well-proportioned build. Borrowed from French, it carries a generally positive or neutral connotation regarding physical appearance.

- She was so petite that she had to stand on her toes to reach the top shelf.
- Although she was petite in stature, her commanding voice and confident presence ensured she dominated every room she entered.

### 2. clothing size

adjective · CEFR B2

a size of clothing made for women who are shorter than average.

For teachers: denoting a standard clothing size designed to fit women of shorter-than-average height, typically 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) or less.

- I usually have to buy petite jeans because the regular ones are too long.
- The retailer expanded its petite collection after realizing that a significant portion of their customer base struggled with standard trouser lengths.

### 4. yeast colony

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of yeast that grows in very small groups.

For teachers: a mutant strain of yeast that forms smaller-than-normal colonies due to a defect in mitochondrial function.

- The researcher identified a petite mutant in the yeast culture.
- The presence of petite colonies indicated a respiratory deficiency in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae population being studied.

## Examples

- She is quite petite, so she often shops in the specialty section.
- The actress looked elegant in a dress tailored specifically for her petite frame.
- While the fashion industry often prioritizes height, many brands have expanded their petite collections to cater to women who require shorter hemlines and adjusted proportions.

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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.