chic

1 of 2

noun

1
: smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner : style
wears her clothes with superb chic
2
: a distinctive mode of dress or manner associated with a fashionable lifestyle, ideology, or pursuit
wearing the latest in urban chic
New Age chic
3
: a faddishly popular quality or appeal
also : something (such as a practice or interest) having such appeal
the transient tides of academic chic Irving Kristol

chic

2 of 2

adjective

chicer; chicest
1
: cleverly stylish : smart
the woman who is chic adapts fashion to her own personalityElizabeth L. Post
2
: currently fashionable
a chic restaurant
chic boutiques
chicly adverb
chicness noun

Examples of chic in a Sentence

Noun It's the height of chic this year. mockumentaries are the latest filmmaking chic Adjective The café has a chic new look. a chic new hairstyle that makes her look very sophisticated
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
What happens when a fashion house outlives its founder? Paris Fashion Week has always centered designers from around the world, offering a creative vision of French chic from an outsider perspective, from German designer Karl Lagerfeld to Japanese creatives including Yohji Yamamoto. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Elena’s outfits — a kind of Alpine-totalitarian chic — convey sexuality intertwined with fearsomeness. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The look is also related (a cousin, maybe) to geek chic, which has been embraced by Kaia Gerber, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer, among others, according to Vogue. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 Speaking of earthy chic, TAP by Todd Pownell is the Cleveland, Ohio.-based brand by goldsmith Todd Pownell and his wife Debra, whose experience is rooted in the European studio atelier practice and its artisanal jewelry traditions. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 The essie Nail Polish in off-beat chic is a gorgeous cyan that is actually long-lasting. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 Find it on Amazon Everyday Tote Embrace casual chic with Brouk & Co’s Capri Everyday Stripe Tote; this versatile accessory is an everyday gem on Oprah’s favorite things list. Margaret Drake, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023 The Urban Outfitters Reversible Bathroom Storage Shelf brings extra storage with a touch of industrial chic to your bathroom. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 Perfect for those who dig a bit of horse-riding chic in their wardrobe. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2023
Adjective
Katie Holmes is looking chic and fabulous in an elegant black gown. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The delicate shower curtain is the perfect addition to a bathroom with a shabby chic or spa-like style. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 French poodles were très chic at the time, and many customers owned them. Margalit Fox, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 In penny loafers or slouchy tote bags, the shade is chic and easy to wear, nodding to the runways without feeling overly on-trend. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 And this means Saweetie is an hour late to our early dinner at Dante, a chic restaurant on the roof of the Maybourne Hotel. Lakin Imani Starling, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024 The Spike Fellows, a partnership with the filmmaker’s agency Gersh, has linked up with Ralph Lauren for an innovative initiative that will see the iconic American label providing a chic professional wardrobe for the participants. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2024 Victoria Beckham isn't letting a medical mishap stop her from looking chic. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024 This chic mini fireplace effortlessly combines trendsetting decor with practicality, transforming patios, balconies, and outdoor spaces into inviting retreats with its warm glow. Anna Smoot, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

Adjective

probably from attributive use of chic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chic was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near chic

Cite this Entry

“Chic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun
: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective
chicer; chicest
: stylish, smart
chic clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on chic

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