chignon

noun

chi·​gnon ˈshēn-ˌyän How to pronounce chignon (audio)
 also  -ˌyȯn
: a knot of hair that is worn at the back of the head and especially at the nape of the neck

Examples of chignon 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.
The Princess's hair was wrapped into a low, full chignon at the nape of her neck, with the top sections criss-crossed and pinned and the rest of her hair woven together and pinned, with nary a hair out of place. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2024 Grande’s blond hair was styled in a tight chignon and featured a sleek look by stylist Gabor Kerekes. Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024 For her glam, the actress’ hair was styled into a tight chignon by Mara Roszak. Julia Teti, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024 Bessette-Kennedy wore hers with elbow-length gloves and pointed stilettos to elevate the simple design, yet kept her hair relaxed in a loose chignon. Naomi Pike, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chignon 

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French chaignon chain, collar, nape

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chignon was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near chignon

Cite this Entry

“Chignon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chignon. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

chignon

noun
chi·​gnon ˈshēn-ˌyän How to pronounce chignon (audio)
: a knot of hair worn at the back of the head

More from Merriam-Webster on chignon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!