- having an agreeably pungent or tart taste
- lively or stimulating to the mind
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
pi•quant /ˈpikənt, -kɑnt, piˈkɑnt/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- agreeably strong or sharp in taste.
- of an interestingly lively character:a piquant wit.
pi•quant
(pē′kənt, -känt, pē känt′),USA pronunciation adj.
pi′quan•cy, pi′quant•ness, n.
pi′quant•ly, adv.
- agreeably pungent or sharp in taste or flavor;
pleasantly biting or tart:a piquant aspic. - agreeably stimulating, interesting, or attractive:a piquant glance.
- of an interestingly provocative or lively character:a piquant wit.
- [Archaic.]sharp or stinging, esp. to the feelings.
- Italian piccante
- French: literally, pricking (see pique1, -ant); replacing pickante
- 1515–25
pi′quant•ly, adv.
- 1. spicy. 2. intriguing. 3. sharp, clever.
- 1. insipid.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
piquant /ˈpiːkənt; -kɑːnt/ adj
'piquant' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):