ciré

noun

ci·​ré sə-ˈrā How to pronounce ciré (audio)
sē-
variants or less commonly cire
1
: a highly glazed finish for fabrics usually achieved by applying wax to the fabric
2
: a fabric or garment with a ciré finish

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of cirer to wax, from cire wax, from Old French, from Latin cera — more at cerumen

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ciré was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ciré.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cir%C3%A9. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ciré

noun
ci·​ré sə-ˈrā How to pronounce ciré (audio)
: a shiny fabric that looks wet
Etymology

French, literally, "waxed"

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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