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
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Noun
Olivia Wilde's latest look is the definition of Parisian chic—and what better place than in the French capital during Paris Fashion Week. Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 Merci, Yves Saint Laurent, for making le smoking de rigueur for women as well as men, and bringing safari chic onto the runways and out of the bush, among so much else. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The ruched toe detail adds to the chic design, and the soft, durable insole was designed to withstand daily wear. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026 The goth-chic soirée showcased the all-encompassing world that Junior has built melding style and community. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 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 9 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

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