homely UK /ˈhəʊmli/US /ˈhoʊmli/adjective 8forms 4phrases 1 adjective8 •Characteristic of, belonging to, or befitting a home; domestic, cosy.Mowgli: "Oh, don't worry Chota, it may not be homely, but I can warm it up." — 2014 •(US, Canada) Lacking in beauty or elegance, plain in appearance, physically unattractive.There is none so homely but loves a looking-glass. — 1692 •Simple; plain; familiar; unelaborate; unadorned.Now Strephon daily entertains His Chloe in the homeliest strains. — 1731 •(India) Conservative and family-oriented.I am seeking a beautiful homely girl for marriage. •(dialect, UK) On intimate or friendly terms with (someone); familiar; at home (with a person); intimate.With all these men I was right homely, and communed with them long and oft. — 1563 •(dialect, UK) Friendly; kind; gracious; cordial. •(dialect, UK) Domestic; tame. •(dialect, UK) Personal; private. formshomelier · more homely · homeliest · most homely Phrases with homely homely as a hedge fenceHaving no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.