chic

1 of 2

noun

ˈshēk How to pronounce chic (audio)
Synonyms of chic
1
: smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner : style
wears her clothes with superb chic
2
: a distinctive mode of dress or manner associated with a fashionable lifestyle, ideology, or pursuit
wearing the latest in urban chic
New Age chic
3
: a faddishly popular quality or appeal
also : something (such as a practice or interest) having such appeal
… the transient tides of academic chic. —Irving Kristol

chic

2 of 2

adjective

chicer; chicest
1
: cleverly stylish : smart
The woman who is chic adapts fashion to her own personality.—Elizabeth L. Post
2
: currently fashionable
a chic restaurant
chic boutiques
chicly adverb
chicness noun

Synonyms of chic

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Noun

Adjective

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Examples of chic in a Sentence

Noun It's the height of chic this year. mockumentaries are the latest filmmaking chic Adjective The café has a chic new look. a chic new hairstyle that makes her look very sophisticated
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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.
Noun
Modern motor-court-inn chic is the aesthetic at Hotel Palms, located three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and Beaches Town Center. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 With its linen shirts, aprons, head scarves, gold jewelry, retro prints, and effortless elegance, the Italian grandma look takes Mediterranean chic to a new, but more comfortable, level. — Lenny Coynault, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
An InStyle editor shares 10 chic ways to style a headband in 2026. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 Fitoussi has outfitted Collins in chic and romantic silhouettes using vintage finds, bold prints and high-end designer pieces. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

Adjective

probably from attributive use of chic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chic was in 1851

Phrases Containing chic

Rhymes for chic

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Browse Nearby Words

chibouk
chic
chicadee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chic. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun
ˈshēk How to pronounce chic (audio)
: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective
chicer; chicest
: stylish, smart
chic clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on chic

Nglish: Translation of chic for Spanish Speakers

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