chiffon
Americannoun
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a sheer fabric of silk, nylon, or rayon in plain weave.
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any women's dress ornament, as ribbon or lace.
adjective
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(of dresses, scarves, etc.) resembling or made of chiffon.
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(in cooking) having a light, frothy texture, as certain pies and cakes containing beaten egg whites.
noun
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a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc
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rare (often plural) feminine finery
adjective
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made of chiffon
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(of soufflés, pies, cakes, etc) having a very light fluffy texture
Other Word Forms
- chiffony adjective
Etymology
Origin of chiffon
1755–65; < French, equivalent to chiffe rag (< Arabic shiff sheer fabric) + -on noun suffix
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
All eyes were on the soon-to-be princess as she stepped out of a Rolls-Royce in a glittering red chiffon gown.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
Although the juicy, vibrant red fruit is commonly featured in desserts, like buttery tarts, spritzes, chocolate mousse and chiffon cakes, it’s also exceptional in more savory dishes.
From Salon • May 23, 2025
Certain pieces are intended to be lightweight—like flowy chiffon tops, delicate lace skirts, or tops built for layering.
From Slate • Dec. 28, 2024
Often credited as sparking an ’80s revival in fashion, his voluminous, one-of-a-kind party dresses come to life through a combination of contrasting thrifted fabrics like denim, taffeta, chiffon, leather and lace.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2024
The one sleeve was made of pea green chiffon.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
