nonchalance

noun

non·​cha·​lance ˌnän-shə-ˈlän(t)s How to pronounce nonchalance (audio)
ˌnän-shə-ˌlän(t)s,
-lən(t)s
: the quality or state of being nonchalant
She faced the crowd with the nonchalance of an experienced speaker.

Examples of nonchalance in a Sentence

with their usual nonchalance they arrived at the wedding ceremony half an hour late
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.
There is also a cool nonchalance to the gym short, especially when juxtaposed with a smart button-up or dressier shoe. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 July 2025 Despite feigning nonchalance during the interrogation, his own funny story betrays his true misery. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025 Never too retro, never too futuristic — these perfect day-to-night shades will add a touch of French nonchalance to any outfit. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 His red-carpet looks don’t project nonchalance but non-anxiety. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonchalance

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonchalance was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Nonchalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonchalance. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonchalance

noun
non·​cha·​lance ˌnän-shə-ˈlän(t)s How to pronounce nonchalance (audio)
ˈnän-shə-ˌlän(t)s
: the quality or state of being nonchalant

More from Merriam-Webster on nonchalance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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