chic

1 of 2

noun

ˈshēk 

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 personality.

—Elizabeth L. Post

2

: currently fashionable

a chic restaurant

chic boutiques

chicly adverb

chicness noun

Synonyms of chic

Noun

• trend
• latest
• vogue
• craze
• style
• rage
• fashion
• enthusiasm

Adjective

• stylish
• fashionable
• happening

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

There are a total of 39 units, most of which have been renovated as of 2024, swapping an old Florida aesthetic for something more contemporary island chic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Her aesthetic is a mix of Parisienne chic and London cool with a slight retro edge. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Tacky in theory, but designers are making versions that are chic in practice. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

The V-neck cut and slim silhouette remind me of Polo Ralph Lauren, and this light-blue shade is incredibly coastal-chic (but there are nine other color options). — Anna Traver, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing chic

• radical chic
• shabby chic

Rhymes for chic

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun

ˈshēk 

: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective

chicer; chicest

: stylish, smart

chic clothes