Cute describes something or someone that's appealing in a sweet, charming, or adorable way. When you see a puppy with oversized paws stumbling around, or a toddler giggling at their own reflection, that's cute. A tiny succulent plant on a windowsill can be cute. Even a clever solution to a problem might be called cute if it's surprisingly simple and clever.

The word usually applies to small, young, or delicate things. Baby animals are almost universally considered cute. A kindergartner's drawing of their family, complete with stick figures and a purple sun, strikes adults as cute. Your friend's new kitten? Definitely cute.

But cute can also describe behavior or personality. Someone who blushes easily or gets excited about small things might be considered cute in their reactions. When your little brother tries to act tough but can't quite pull it off, that's cute too.

The word carries a gentle, affectionate feeling. Calling something cute is usually a compliment, though teenagers sometimes resist being called cute because they want to seem more grown-up and mature.