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

Derived Forms

• chiffony
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chiffon

1755–65; < French, equivalent to chiffe rag (< Arabic shiff sheer fabric) + -on noun suffix

Explanation

Chiffon is a fabric that’s light and silky. You have probably seen a slip or a dress made out of chiffon. Chiffon is made of silk, nylon, or rayon. It is airy and sheer and is therefore used in making lingerie and some types of dresses and blouses. If you want a rough, tough fabric, chiffon isn’t the way to go. Chiffon is flimsy, pretty, and lightweight. Ironically, it comes from a French word for a rag, which would be an insult to a nice chiffon dress.

Related Words

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