Usage
What does pizazz mean? Pizazz is an informal word for the energy, style, or flair that makes something dazzling or exciting. It’s that extra element that makes something really pop or sparkle. Pizazz is an American slang term. If you say something has pizazz, you mean it’s impressive in an exciting, dynamic way. If you say something lacks pizazz, you mean it’s a little dull—it needs something to make it exciting or special. Example: That dancer has great form, but I wish he had a little more pizazz.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pizazz
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; origin obscure
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.
A media darling on the podium like no one since Leonard Bernstein—his storied predecessor at Lincoln Center—Mr. Dudamel seems determined to inject some longed-for pizazz into the job.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026
This list barely scratches the surface of everything the city offers, but it highlights fine dining, once-in-a-lifetime meals and luxury experiences — a little pizazz to go alongside the Chicago staples you probably already know.
From Salon ● Sep. 29, 2025
Watching Jessica age with such pizazz made Rebhun wonder: Why do some goldens succumb to cancer so young, while others, like Jessica, continue to go on walks and chase tennis balls well into their teens?
From Slate ● Oct. 9, 2023
But “La Cage” requires more than theatrical pizazz.
From New York Times ● Jan. 29, 2023
Last, I could crumble some of the Froot Loops on top of the vanilla icing, for some extra pizazz.
From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
