chic

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of chic
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
At just $20, these Athlefit sandals have no business looking this chic. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 Utilitarian chic was seen all over Gov Ball, from leather combat boots to oversized cargo pants perfect for storing the weekend’s necessities. John Monaco, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Adjective
Each silhouette is thoughtfully designed with unique features tailored to beauty and travel needs like separate packing compartments to keep products organized, palette storage for makeup, brush holders to protect bristles, travel mirrors, and removable pouches that double as chic clutches. ABC News, 16 June 2026 Martha Stewart wears a chic satin green matching set for the Dom Pérignon Expressions of Harmony event on June 11 in New York City. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chic

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chic. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun
: fashionable style

chic

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

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