chic

[ sheek ]

adjective

, chic·er, chic·est.

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 [chik] is considered nonstandard except when used facetiously.

Derived Forms

• ˈchicly, adverb

Other Words From

• chicly adverb
• chicness noun
• super·chic adjective
• ultra·chic 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

A producer, her thumbprints evident in a track’s chic minimalism or ooze of West Coast.

From Los Angeles Times

The decor and architecture ranges from luxury hotel chic to the sort of style more common in an upmarket conference centre.

From BBC

His wife of 20 years, Samira, is a former beauty queen who is widely admired for her chic outfits.

From BBC

Born and bred in Zaun with a long criminal background, Vi is as rugged and misanthropic as Caitlyn is sleek and chic.

From Salon

You just need a good pair of denim that sustains and will look chic with whatever loafers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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