chic

1 of 2

noun

ˈshēk 

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

Noun

• buzz
• craze
• dernier cri
• enthusiasm
• fad
• fashion
• flavor
• go
• hot ticket
• last word
• latest
• mode
• rage
• sensation
• style
• ton
• trend
• vogue

Adjective

• à la mode
• a la mode
• au courant
• cool [slang]
• exclusive
• fashionable
• fresh [slang]
• happening
• hip
• in
• modish
• sharp
• smart
• snappy
• stylish
• supercool
• swell
• swish
• trendy
• voguish

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Enjoy 20% off sitewide at Clare V., a brand based in Los Angeles and heavily influenced by Parisian chic. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

From bold color palettes to playful prints, every outfit Emily Cooper and her stylish crew wears is a masterclass in French chic. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024

Adjective

From functional puffers and insulated parkas to chic peacoats, discover my top 12 winter jacket picks that are stylish, versatile, and a smart investment for the chilly season ahead. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024

This stylish and spacious bag will keep all his essentials in check while still looking effortlessly chic. —Neha Tandon, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing chic

• radical chic

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun

ˈshēk 

: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective

chicer; chicest

: stylish, smart

chic clothes