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en clair

adverb or adjective

: in plain language
a message sent en clair

Word History

Etymology

French, in clear

First Known Use

circa 1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of en clair was circa 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“En clair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/en%20clair. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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