chiffon

1 of 2

noun

chif·​fon shi-ˈfän How to pronounce chiffon (audio) ˈshi-ˌfän How to pronounce chiffon (audio)
Synonyms of chiffonnext
1
: an ornamental addition (such as a knot of ribbons) to a woman's dress
2
: a sheer fabric especially of silk

chiffon

2 of 2

adjective

1
: resembling chiffon in sheerness or softness
2
: having a light delicate texture achieved usually by adding whipped egg whites or whipped gelatin
lemon chiffon pie

Examples of chiffon in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Among the offerings were a Valentino silk chiffon blouse, a Bill Blass pinstripe suit, a Calvin Klein coat, a Prada cocktail dress and Christian Louboutin shoes. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The dress was designed to evoke the iridescent quality of mother of pearl with a beaded leather bustier and a multi-layered pleated silk chiffon skirt that was hand-painted to mimic the shiny surface of shells. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Adjective
The year was 2012, and my Brandy Melville infinity-sign T-shirt and American Apparel chiffon maxi skirt were apparently glued to my body. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 As hotter summers become the new normal, lightweight materials such as silk, chiffon and sheer fabrics feel increasingly relevant. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chiffon

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, literally, rag, from chiffe old rag, alteration of Middle French chipe, from Middle English chip chip

First Known Use

Noun

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chiffon was in 1765

Rhymes for chiffon

See All Rhymes for chiffon

Browse Nearby Words

chiffer
chiffon
chiffonade
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chiffon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiffon. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chiffon

1 of 2 noun
chif·​fon shif-ˈän How to pronounce chiffon (audio) ˈshif-ˌän How to pronounce chiffon (audio)
: a very thin fabric especially of silk

chiffon

2 of 2 adjective
: having a light soft texture
a chiffon pie

More from Merriam-Webster on chiffon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chiffon

Nglish: Translation of chiffon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chiffon

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