panache

American  

[puh-nash, -nahsh] / pəˈnæʃ, -ˈnɑʃ /

noun

1. a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair.

   The actor who would play Cyrano must have panache.

2. an ornamental plume of feathers, tassels, or the like, especially one worn on a helmet or cap.

3. Architecture. the surface of a pendentive.

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panache British  

/ -ˈnɑːʃ, pəˈnæʃ /

noun

1. a dashing manner; style; swagger

   he rides with panache

2. a feathered plume on a helmet

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Etymology

Origin of panache

First recorded in 1545–55; variant (after French ) of pennache, from Middle French, from early Italian pennachio, from Late Latin pinnāculum, diminutive of pinna “wing”; identical in form with pinnāculum “roof gable, peak”; see pinnacle

Explanation

To have panache is to have a stylish flair. You might wear your giant polka-dotted scarf with great panache. Panache comes from the Latin word pinnaculum, which means “small wing” or “tuft of feathers.” When you decorate yourself with a flourish, have an elegant appearance, or do something with style, you are said to have panache. You might wear your beret with new-found panache. Your aunt Milly may throw a party with unmatched panache. Or your brother's ability to turn a phrase may show an uncommon panache.

Example Sentences

We have Black Mission figs coming in and I want to buy a Panache Tiger Striped fig.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2021

No injuries were reported after flames shot eight to 10 feet high, and black smoke poured from sidewalk grates and manholes outside of Panache in the 1700 block of Desales Street NW about 7:30 p.m.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2016

Panache is great, but at the end of the day I probably wouldn't be where I am today if I was like that.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2014

Panache is the word, and they both showed plenty during their lives, albeit in very different fashion and circumstances.

From The Guardian • Sep. 20, 2014

Panache, in a riding habit, made her appearance.

From Tales and Novels — Volume 01 by Edgeworth, Maria