panache

American  

[puh-nash, -nahsh] / pəˈnæʃ, -ˈnɑʃ /

noun

1. a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair.

   The actor who would play Cyrano must have panache.

2. an ornamental plume of feathers, tassels, or the like, especially one worn on a helmet or cap.

3. Architecture. the surface of a pendentive.

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panache British  

/ -ˈnɑːʃ, pəˈnæʃ /

noun

1. a dashing manner; style; swagger

   he rides with panache

2. a feathered plume on a helmet

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Etymology

Origin of panache

First recorded in 1545–55; variant (after French ) of pennache, from Middle French, from early Italian pennachio, from Late Latin pinnāculum, diminutive of pinna “wing”; identical in form with pinnāculum “roof gable, peak”; see pinnacle

Explanation

To have panache is to have a stylish flair. You might wear your giant polka-dotted scarf with great panache. Panache comes from the Latin word pinnaculum, which means “small wing” or “tuft of feathers.” When you decorate yourself with a flourish, have an elegant appearance, or do something with style, you are said to have panache. You might wear your beret with new-found panache. Your aunt Milly may throw a party with unmatched panache. Or your brother's ability to turn a phrase may show an uncommon panache.

Example Sentences

Neymar brought profile and panache to Paris but could not deliver the holy grail of European success, Denilson's trickery failed to help Real Betis beat the drop, a car crash curtailed Gigi Lentini's buccaneering brilliance.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

On Sunday, in blazing sunshine, Gu delivered with panache, posting a best score of 94.75 to dazzle the judges, soaring high above the lip of the halfpipe and executing her tricks with precision.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

For all of the pain and despair at the heart of Preston’s story, his musical contributions brim with optimism and panache.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Mr. Pinsker’s deep research, interpretive daring and fine writing advance the case with panache.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

It spoke to Lefty of jazz-age frivolity, gin cocktails, cigarette girls; it made him slick his hair back with panache . . . while, out in the yard, Desdemona heard the singing and reacted differently.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides