cheongsam

noun cheong·sam \ ˈchȯŋ-ˌsäm \

|Updated on: 3 Jun 2018

Definition of cheongsam

: a dress of southern Chinese origin with a slit skirt and a mandarin collar

Recent Examples of cheongsam from the Web

The cheongsam is an evolution of the qipao, a Chinese dress dating back to the Han Dynasty, writes Vogue.

— sean rossman, USA TODAY, "Chinese prom dress draws rage, but Utah student said she meant no harm," 1 May 2018
Her exquisite dress was a red cheongsam, also called a qipao — a traditional Chinese dress.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "A young woman wore a pretty Chinese dress for prom. She didn't think she needed permission.," 4 May 2018
After photos of 18-year-old Keziah Daum posing in a red cheongsam—also known as a qipao—began to go viral, the Woods Cross High School senior was accused by some of appropriating the Chinese culture.

— megan mccluskey, Time, "Teen Defends Her Chinese Prom Dress After Cultural Appropriation Backlash," 2 May 2018
The cheongsam-fabric gave her sleepwear a sense of luxury that was well-suited for evening, while a snow white coat, matching sunglasses, and a mini bag created a streamlined effect that felt effortlessly polished.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Gigi Hadid Takes Party Pajamas Out on the Town," 2 Feb. 2018
The move was classic Kaia thanks to its cheongsam-style fabric—something she has also been known to wear in minidress form.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Kaia Gerber Makes a Floral Suit Look Fierce," 9 Feb. 2018
Congratulations to the beautiful bride @melissackoh ! Donning our exclusive kimono cheongsam, where components of a unique piece of kimono fabric is delicately hand sewn to create an intricate pattern.

— lauren smith, House Beautiful, "This Bride Wore 5 Amazing Dresses to Her Wedding," 15 Aug. 2017
There was a woman dressed in a cheongsam singing into an old-fashioned microphone, while a man made noodles by hand.

— kate young, Vogue, "Kate Young Explores the Elegant (and Sometimes Sweaty) Side of Hong Kong," 28 Sep. 2017
Here are Levis, a white T-shirt, the cheongsam, platform shoes, the slip dress, kente cloth.

— josephine livingstone, New Republic, "What MoMA Doesn’t Get About Fashion," 3 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cheongsam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.