Handsome describes someone, usually a boy or man, who has an attractive, well-proportioned appearance. When people call someone handsome, they mean that person has pleasant, strong features that look good together. A handsome face might have clear eyes, good bone structure, and an appealing smile.

The word carries a sense of dignity and strength that's different from other words for attractiveness. While “pretty” often describes delicate beauty, handsome suggests something more solid and confident. You might describe a father as handsome, or notice that an actor playing a hero looks particularly handsome in his role.

Handsome can also describe girls and women, especially when their appearance has a striking, confident quality rather than a soft, delicate one. And the word extends beyond people: a handsome building has pleasing proportions and looks well-made, while a handsome profit means a large, satisfying amount of money. A handsome reward is generous and substantial.

When someone does something honorable or generous, people might say “that was handsome of you,” meaning the action was admirable and showed good character. In this way, handsome connects attractive appearance with attractive behavior, both suggesting something well-formed and pleasing.