chiffon

American  

[shi-fon, shif-on] / ʃɪˈfɒn, ˈʃɪf ɒn /

noun

1. a sheer fabric of silk, nylon, or rayon in plain weave.

2. any women's dress ornament, as ribbon or lace.

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adjective

1. (of dresses, scarves, etc.) resembling or made of chiffon.

2. (in cooking) having a light, frothy texture, as certain pies and cakes containing beaten egg whites.

chiffon British  

/ ˈʃɪfɒn, ʃɪˈfɒn /

noun

1. a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc

2. rare (often plural) feminine finery

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adjective

1. made of chiffon

2. (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

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

They dyed chiffon to match the skirt, and miraculously found two more originals on Etsy to cut to fit and reuse the beaded white bodice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2024

There were fancy dresses made of silk and velvet and chiffon, men’s breeches and brocade vests, miles of taffeta and endless lengths of ribbon, and countless boxes of tiaras and leather slippers.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• decrepit
• feeble
• insubstantial
• rickety
• shaky
• tacky