Classy describes someone or something with elegance, good taste, and dignity. A classy person might dress neatly, speak politely, and treat others with respect even in difficult situations. A classy restaurant has excellent service, beautiful presentation, and a refined atmosphere.

The word suggests genuine quality and style without being showy or pretentious. Something classy combines refinement with restraint. A classy thank-you note is thoughtfully written on nice stationery, not covered in glitter and stickers. A classy way to win a competition is to shake hands with your opponents and congratulate them on their effort.

You can recognize classiness in small details: how someone handles disappointment gracefully, how a building's simple design looks timeless rather than flashy, or how a violinist plays with beautiful restraint instead of showing off. When someone says “that was classy,” they're complimenting the elegance and thoughtfulness of the choice.

The opposite of classy might be tacky (trying too hard to impress) or crude (lacking refinement). A classy approach to life means choosing quality, dignity, and consideration for others over cheap shortcuts or attention-seeking.