informal
: a strikingly sexy, voluptuous, or appealing quality
The actress exudes va-va-voom as she walks through the Sixth Avenue doorway of the Power House Theatre.—
Vicki Hillhouse
Vicki HillhouseHe turns up the volume and the va-va-voom, throws Jay-Z and Lana Del Rey on the soundtrack when jazz bands are playing on the screen, but leaves the basic storyline untouched.—Ross Douthat
Ross DouthatThroughout history, the rich have liked to demonstrate their status by displaying luxury goods that their inferiors are unable to afford. An Old Master can add real va-va-voom to your Manhattan penthouse.—The Economist
The Economist
informal
: strikingly sexy, voluptuous, or appealing
This mascara won't clump or flake, plus it'll give you long, full, va-va-voom lashes.—Ama Kwarteng
Ama KwartengThe heroine of Craft's book is Molly Shaw, a mousy … professor of women's history who secretly writes steamy piratical novels as Sandra St. Claire, and who is persuaded to adopt the va-va-voom guise of her literary alter ego in order to seduce Jake Berenger, a billionaire hotelier.—Rebecca Mead
Rebecca Mead
Examples of va-va-voom in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebLaura Hawkins, Vogue, 19 July 2023
Use one coat for a more natural look or keep swiping on layer after layer for true va-va-voom volume.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 12 July 2023
Established in Milan in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the duo, who are Sicilian natives, bring their own heritage and flavor to va-va-voom separates season after season.
—Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 25 June 2023
But unlike so many basic slip dresses, this little number features a deep V-neckline and lace detailing on the bodice and hemline for a little extra va-va-voom.
—Jill Schildhouse, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023
The deep V-neck adds va-va-voom and the ruffly hemline adds interest and flirtiness.
—Alesandra Dubin, Woman's Day, 1 Apr. 2023
Thomas Adamson, ajc, 4 Mar. 2023
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Noun
Then consider the upcoming season’s standout ready-to-wear trends: the va-va-voom hourglass silhouette, power dressing, utilitarian shapes and the anarchic punk.
—Laura Hawkins, Vogue, 19 July 2023
Use one coat for a more natural look or keep swiping on layer after layer for true va-va-voom volume.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 12 July 2023
Established in Milan in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the duo, who are Sicilian natives, bring their own heritage and flavor to va-va-voom separates season after season.
—Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 25 June 2023
But unlike so many basic slip dresses, this little number features a deep V-neckline and lace detailing on the bodice and hemline for a little extra va-va-voom.
—Jill Schildhouse, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023
The deep V-neck adds va-va-voom and the ruffly hemline adds interest and flirtiness.
—Alesandra Dubin, Woman's Day, 1 Apr. 2023
Adjective
The collection crescendoed passionately into the evening with Saab’s bread-and-butter va-va-voom silhouettes.
—Thomas Adamson, ajc, 4 Mar. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'va-va-voom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near va-va-voom
Cite this Entry
“Va-va-voom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/va-va-voom. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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