fancy: Meaning and Definition of

fan•cy

1. imagination or fantasy, esp. as exercised in a capricious manner.
2. the artistic ability of creating unreal or whimsical imagery, decorative detail, etc., as in poetry or drawing.
3. a mental image or conception: He had happy fancies of being a famous actor.
4. an idea or opinion with little foundation; illusion: Her belief that she can sing is a mere fancy.
5. a caprice; whim; vagary: It was his fancy to fly to Paris occasionally for dinner.
6. capricious preference; inclination; a liking: to take a fancy to walking barefoot in the streets.
7. critical judgment; taste.
8. the breeding of animals to develop points of beauty or excellence.
9. love.
10. people deeply interested in a sport, art, etc.

1. made, designed, grown, adapted, etc., to please the taste or fancy; of superfine quality or exceptional appeal: fancy goods; fancy fruits.
2. ornamental; decorative; not plain: a cake with a fancy icing.
3. depending on imagination or caprice; whimsical; irregular: a fancy conception of time.
4. bred to develop points of beauty or excellence, as an animal.
5. much too costly; exorbitant or extravagant: a consultant who charges fancy fees.

1. to form a conception of; picture to oneself: Fancy living with that egotist all your life!
2. to believe without being absolutely sure or certain: I fancy you are my new neighbor.
3. to take a liking to; like.
4. to breed to develop a special type of animal.
5. to make superficially showy by way of improvement: an old car fancied up with a bright new paint job.

1. (used as an exclamation of mild surprise): They invited you, too? Fancy!