chignon

noun

chi·​gnon ˈshēn-ˌyän How to pronounce chignon (audio)
 also  -ˌyȯn
: a knot of hair that is worn at the back of the head and especially at the nape of the neck

Examples of chignon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pull your curls into a casual chignon and throw in pin detailing just for fun. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2024 The nine-time Emmy nominee styled the gown with a few diamond rings and a pair of drop diamond earrings, and wore her hair slicked back into an elegant chignon, with a few feathers to match the feathers of her dress. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2024 Zendaya let the bangs be the centerpiece of her hairstyle for the show, pulling the rest of her hair back in an elegant chignon at the nape of her neck. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 25 Jan. 2024 Tay also went with a timeless beauty look, wearing her hair in a coiled chignon and her usual red lip with a pink mani. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024 Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte (whose locks are longer than ever!) had an ultimate matching moment with at King Charles’ coronation in May, coordinating in knotted chignons with silver floral headpieces by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 2 Jan. 2024 For an ethereal look, try dotting your hair with tiny bows; these can be either clipped to a chignon for a recital-ready take, or adorn loose waves with a long sash for easy-going romance. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2023 At King Charles and Queen Camila’s coronation on May 6, Princess Charlotte wore her hair in two braids twisted into an ornate chignon. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 28 Dec. 2023 Laura Harrier's immaculate complexion threw light during an evening out in Mexico City, while Salem Mitchell and Dree Hemingway opted for a daytime glows, the latter's look paired with a soirée-ready chignon (and accessories). Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chignon.' 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

French, from Middle French chaignon chain, collar, nape

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chignon was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near chignon

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

chignon

noun
chi·​gnon ˈshēn-ˌyän How to pronounce chignon (audio)
: a knot of hair worn at the back of the head

More from Merriam-Webster on chignon

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