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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The highlight is a flotilla of teens on boats tied together like a seafood smorgasbord, but the preposterous sight of a great white eating a hovering rescue helicopter has a certain je ne sais quoi. Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025 Spanning dramatic cliff sides and postcard-worthy views of beaches, this type of journey has a certain je ne sais quoi that all travelers should experience at some point. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025 Available in true blue, light wash, and white, try styling them with a striped T-shirt or a poplin blouse, for that certain je ne sais quoi. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 30 May 2025 The city has captured the hearts of travelers of centuries for its innate elegance and beauty, along with that ineffable je ne sais quoi. Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for je ne sais quoi

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Je ne sais quoi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/je%20ne%20sais%20quoi. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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