je ne sais quoi

noun

: something (such as an appealing quality) that cannot be adequately described or expressed
a young actress who has a certain je ne sais quoi

Examples of je ne sais quoi in a Sentence

Although the sculpture had flaws, it also had a certain je ne sais quoi that made it very appealing.
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.
And for casual days, when a workout class is the only thing on the schedule, use a cashmere hoodie to downplay a loose-fitting boxy blazer—the combination displays an effortless je ne sais quoi. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 Michael Schwartz curates a French bistro pop-up at Design Miami James Beard award winning chef Michael Schwartz is bringing French je ne sais quoi to Design Miami during Art Basel. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Browned butter gives them that je ne sais quoi quality that will have your new neighbors reaching out for the recipe. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2024 Internally, the residence channels a certain European je ne sais quoi with elegant paned windows, glassy French doors, exposed beam ceilings, and stately fireplaces. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for je ne sais quoi 

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, I know not what

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of je ne sais quoi was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near je ne sais quoi

Cite this Entry

“Je ne sais quoi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/je%20ne%20sais%20quoi. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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