chic

1 of 2

noun

ˈshēk 

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

Synonyms of chic

Noun

• trend
• latest
• vogue
• craze
• style
• rage
• fashion
• enthusiasm

Adjective

• stylish
• fashionable
• happening

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

Noun

While fashion has a way of chasing the fountain of youth, Kate Spade might have a particular claim on the future consumer as its mix of whimsy and chic has a natural appeal for those moving into adulthood. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Tiki and mid-century chic are irrevocably intertwined for this reason. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Adjective

For an occasion like this, lean into a timeless silhouette—Bernadette’s crisp poplin halter dress, Aquazzura’s barely-there slingbacks, and Mikimoto’s pearl-and-diamond drops are effortlessly elegant and will still feel chic years from now. — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 28 July 2026

The chic outdoor patio is a unique and open space along the charming Wythe Avenue. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing chic

• radical chic
• shabby chic

Rhymes for chic

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun

ˈshēk 

: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective

chicer; chicest

: stylish, smart

chic clothes