cachet

American  

[ka-shey, kash-ey, ka-she] / kæˈʃeɪ, ˈkæʃ eɪ, kaˈʃɛ /

noun

plural

cachets

1. an official seal, such as on a letter or document.

2. a distinguishing mark or feature; stamp.

   Relentless innovation is the cachet of success in the business world.

3. a sign or expression of approval, especially from a person who has a great deal of prestige.

4. superior status; prestige.

   In that country, any government job has a certain cachet.

5. Pharmacology. a hollow wafer for enclosing a bad-tasting medicine.

6. Philately. a firm name, slogan, or design stamped or printed on an envelope or folded letter.

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cachet British  

/ ˈkæʃeɪ /

noun

1. an official seal on a document, letter, etc

2. a distinguishing mark; stamp

3. prestige; distinction

4. philately

   1. a mark stamped by hand on mail for commemorative purposes

   2. a small mark made by dealers and experts on the back of postage stamps Compare overprint surcharge

5. a hollow wafer, formerly used for enclosing an unpleasant-tasting medicine

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Etymology

Origin of cachet

First recorded in 1630–40; from French: literally, “small hiding place,” from cache cache + -et -et

Example Sentences

After sacred painting lost its cachet, he became one of the most acclaimed portraitists in all of Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since its launch in 1956, the chair has become a symbol of status, wealth and cultural cachet.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Byrne didn’t pull off a deserved underdog win last week, an Oscar nomination — alongside her Golden Globe win in January — carries a certain cachet regardless.

From Salon

It has little cachet; it won’t make you rich the way some sports will, and lacks snob appeal, like, say, golf.

From Los Angeles Times

That balance—maintaining imported cachet while adapting to local tastes—has allowed warehouse retailers to capture consumers who are value-conscious but not necessarily willing to sacrifice quality.

From Barron's

Related Words

• prestige
• stature