chic

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of chicnext
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
Rather than the usual Rat Pack retro or duffer chic, this hip oasis is a slightly rugged desert escape. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026 In the campaign, Waterhouse and Ramirez are shown in looks that channel Saint-Tropez’s nonchalant chic, styled by Emmanuelle Alt. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The space felt like a chic beachfront apartment, with a generous kitchen, airy living room with a television, spa-like bathroom with a tiled shower and a big soaking tub, and plush king bed. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026 The Rooftop is a chic guest-only open-air bar that will offer a snack menu in the warmer months. Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster