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

Six dancers persuasively interpret the seasons and sometimes accompany the arias; Ms. Tanowitz’s angular, evocative choreography is enhanced by costumes in shiny textiles and chiffons by Victoria Bek and Carlos Soto.

From The Wall Street Journal

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 Literature

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

Panels of silk lamé and chiffon paired with crystals and long, feather-like sequin embellishments might seem party-aesthetics only, but paired with a white tee and sandal, this slip skirt is everyday festive.

From Los Angeles Times

It seems many Hollywood stars this year were feeling empowered as chiffon, lace and tulle were in plentiful supply at the Oscars.

From BBC

Related Words

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