Neat first began to be used in English about 400 years ago. It was borrowed from the early French word net, which in turn was taken from Latin nitidus, meaning "bright, shining."

NEAT definition: in a pleasingly orderly and clean condition. See examples of neat used in a sentence.

NEAT definition: 1. tidy, with everything in its place: 2. Neat people like to keep themselves, their house, and…. Learn more.

Someone who is neat keeps their home or possessions tidy, with everything in the correct place. 'That's not like Alf,' he said, 'leaving papers muddled like that. He's always so neat.'

Definition of neat adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. tidy and in order; carefully done or arranged. She kept her desk extremely neat. You've got very neat handwriting! She was …

1. in a pleasingly orderly and clean condition: a neat room. 2. habitually orderly and clean in personal appearance or habits. 3. having a trim and graceful appearance, contour, style, etc.: a neat figure. 4. …

Mar 21, 2025 · The word neat is commonly used to describe something that is clean, well-arranged, and free from clutter or disorder. It can refer to physical spaces like a room or desk, to personal …

The word 'neat' has been used in English since Old English, originally describing something that was clean or tidy. Over time, the meaning expanded to include admiration for style or cleverness.

Factsheet What does the word neat mean? There are 27 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word neat, eight of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation …

neat (a.) Free from what is unbecoming, inappropriate, or tawdry; simple and becoming; pleasing with simplicity; tasteful; chaste; as, a neat style; a neat dress.