je ne sais quoi
noun
: something (such as an appealing quality) that cannot be adequately described or expressed
a young actress who has a certain je ne sais quoi
Examples of je ne sais quoi in a Sentence
Although the sculpture had flaws, it also had a certain je ne sais quoi that made it very appealing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus, Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes up for such inconveniences, luring collectors from everywhere, which is one reason gallerist Mariane Ibrahim elected to open on Avenue Matignon in 2021.
—
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2023
Apple cider vinegar: The zingy acidity of vinegar contrasts brilliantly with the carrots’ sweetness, and apple cider vinegar also lends a delicate fruitiness that gives the recipe an appealing je ne sais quoi.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023
There's a certain je ne sais quoi about French country decor: the effortlessness, the curation, the subtle glimmers of personality.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 22 Aug. 2023
Pragmatism aside, these railings often boast classic scrollwork and intricate motifs—bringing an elegant je ne sais quoi to your backyard.
—Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 18 July 2023
This wasn’t the case for her French boss Sylvie, or Camille, her Parisian friend, both of whom whose chic, je ne sais quoi ensembles – complete with a neutral colour palette and a style reminiscent of Carine Roitfeld and Jeanne Damas, respectively — earned applause from viewers.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
Lily-Rose Depp There is an undeniable je ne sais quoi to Lily-Rose Depp that makes even her plainest outfits feel très chic.
—Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2023
Lucy astutely suspected that a French health spa might have a certain je ne sais quoi when compared to the more rigid regimes extolled by the German or Swiss fasting clinics that are so au courant right now.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2023
This wasn’t the case for her French boss Sylvie, or Camille, her Parisian friend, both of whom whose chic, je ne sais quoi ensembles – complete with a neutral color palette and a style reminiscent of Carine Roitfeld and Jeanne Damas, respectively – earned applause from viewers.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
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Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2023
Apple cider vinegar: The zingy acidity of vinegar contrasts brilliantly with the carrots’ sweetness, and apple cider vinegar also lends a delicate fruitiness that gives the recipe an appealing je ne sais quoi.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023
There's a certain je ne sais quoi about French country decor: the effortlessness, the curation, the subtle glimmers of personality.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 22 Aug. 2023
Pragmatism aside, these railings often boast classic scrollwork and intricate motifs—bringing an elegant je ne sais quoi to your backyard.
—Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 18 July 2023
This wasn’t the case for her French boss Sylvie, or Camille, her Parisian friend, both of whom whose chic, je ne sais quoi ensembles – complete with a neutral colour palette and a style reminiscent of Carine Roitfeld and Jeanne Damas, respectively — earned applause from viewers.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
Lily-Rose Depp There is an undeniable je ne sais quoi to Lily-Rose Depp that makes even her plainest outfits feel très chic.
—Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2023
Lucy astutely suspected that a French health spa might have a certain je ne sais quoi when compared to the more rigid regimes extolled by the German or Swiss fasting clinics that are so au courant right now.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2023
This wasn’t the case for her French boss Sylvie, or Camille, her Parisian friend, both of whom whose chic, je ne sais quoi ensembles – complete with a neutral color palette and a style reminiscent of Carine Roitfeld and Jeanne Damas, respectively – earned applause from viewers.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'je ne sais quoi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, literally, I know not what
First Known Use
circa 1656, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of je ne sais quoi was
circa 1656
Dictionary Entries Near je ne sais quoi
Cite this Entry
“Je ne sais quoi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/je%20ne%20sais%20quoi. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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