chic

[sheek]

adjective

chicer, chicest 

1. attractive and fashionable; stylish.

   a chic hat.

   Synonyms: modish, elegant, smart

noun

1. style and elegance, especially in dress.

   Paris clothes have such chic.

2. stylishness; modishness.

   the chic of the firstnighters.

3. casual and understated style, as in dress or décor, that expresses a specified trendy lifestyle or activity.

   Black-rimmed glasses bring some geek chic to your outfit.

chic

/ ʃiːk, ʃɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of fashionable clothes, women, etc) stylish or elegant

noun

1. stylishness, esp in dress; modishness; fashionable good taste

2. any of various fashion movements based on a particular lifestyle

   radical chic

   geek chic

Pronunciation Note

The spelling pronunciation is considered nonstandard except when used facetiously.

Other Word Forms

• chicly adverb
• chicness noun
• superchic adjective
• ultrachic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

1855–60; < French < German Schick skill

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

C19: from French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

There, on the shores of the Black Sea, we’d stayed at the latest iteration of the stylish Rooms chain, where our quarters resembled a chic ship’s cabin, complete with bunk beds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

From there, she suggests keeping things easy, kitschy and irresistibly snackable—“trash chic,” if you will.

Read more on Salon

Designed by Canadian interior decorator Lori Morris, the mansion abounds with upscale finishes and chic glamour.

Read more on MarketWatch

Large, bright rooms; lots of chic, blond wood; plus a simple, white-and-beige palette add up to an inescapably upscale vibe.

Read more on MarketWatch

Already chic, an adjustable drawstring hem and belted detailing at the waist and wrists allows you to style the jacket your way.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elegant 
• exclusive 
• mod 
• modern 
• stylish 
• swank 
• trendy