pizazz

Sometimes piz·zazz
Rarely pa·zazz

[puh-zaz]

noun

Informal.

1. liveliness; vitality; vigor.

2. attractive style; dash; flair.

Other Word Forms

• pizazzy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pizazz¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; origin obscure

Example Sentences

But Amazon’s lack of market pizazz belies a strong cloud business that looks set to accelerate in the months ahead.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This list barely scratches the surface of everything the city offers, but it highlights fine dining, once-in-a-lifetime meals and luxury experiences — a little pizazz to go alongside the Chicago staples you probably already know.

Read more on Salon

Consider wavy, wood furniture that adds a bit of pizazz.

Read more on Seattle Times

“I don’t think he’s got the same pizazz. Twenty-fifteen and ’16 was about America First.

Read more on Washington Times

But “La Cage” requires more than theatrical pizazz.

Read more on New York Times

When To Use

What does pizazz mean?

Pizazz is an informal word for the energy, style, or flair that makes something dazzling or exciting. It’s that extra element that makes something really pop or sparkle.Pizazz is an American slang term. If you say something has pizazz, you mean it’s impressive in an exciting, dynamic way. If you say something lacks pizazz, you mean it’s a little dull—it needs something to make it exciting or special.Example: That dancer has great form, but I wish he had a little more pizazz.