chiffonier

or chif·fon·nier

[shif-uh-neer]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR chiffonier ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a high chest of drawers or bureau, often having a mirror on top.

a low bookcase of the English Regency, with grille doors or doorless.

a shallow, tall, open piece of furniture, of the 18th century, having shelves for the display of china.

Nearby words

Origin of chiffonier

From the French word chiffonnier, dating back to 1800–10. See chiffon, -ier²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for chiffonier

He went shaking to Brian's room and put the key of the chiffonier in his pocket.
Kenny|Leona Dalrymple
“Bachelor,” he said, nodding his head at the appointments on the chiffonier.
The Mark of Cain|Carolyn Wells
He handed the casket to his father who opened it, and threw it on the chiffonier.
The Mesmerist's Victim|Alexandre Dumas
When Jean opened the door she found her piling the contents of the desk and chiffonier drawers helter-skelter into blankets.
Kit of Greenacre Farm|Izola Forrester

She threw open the doors, and started frantically tugging at Miss' Mary's chiffonier and washstand.
Mountain|Clement Wood

British Dictionary definitions for chiffonier

chiffonier

chiffonnier

noun

a tall, elegant chest of drawers, originally intended for holding needlework

a wide low open-fronted cabinet, sometimes fitted with two grille doors and shelves

Word Origin for chiffonier

C19: from French, from chiffon rag; see chiffon

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for chiffonier

chiffonier

"piece of furniture with drawers for women's needlework, cloth, etc.," 1806, from French chiffonnier, a transferred use, literally "rag gatherer," from chiffon, diminutive of chiffe "rag, piece of cloth, scrap, flimsy stuff" (see chiffon).