cachet

[ ka-shey, kash-ey; French ka-she ]

noun

, plural ca·chets [ka-, sheyz, kash, -eyz, k, a, -, she].

1. an official seal, such as on a letter or document.
2. a distinguishing mark or feature; stamp:

   Relentless innovation is the cachet of success in the business world.

3. a sign or expression of approval, especially from a person who has a great deal of prestige.
4. superior status; prestige:

   In that country, any government job has a certain cachet.

5. Pharmacology. a hollow wafer for enclosing a bad-tasting medicine.
6. Philately. a firm name, slogan, or design stamped or printed on an envelope or folded letter.

cachet

/ ˈkæʃeɪ /

noun

1. an official seal on a document, letter, etc
2. a distinguishing mark; stamp
3. prestige; distinction
4. philately
   1. a mark stamped by hand on mail for commemorative purposes
   2. a small mark made by dealers and experts on the back of postage stamps Compare overprint surcharge
5. a hollow wafer, formerly used for enclosing an unpleasant-tasting medicine

Word History and Origins

Origin of cachet¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French: literally, “small hiding place,” from cache cache + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of cachet¹

C17: from Old French, from cacher to hide

Example Sentences

He was the first Latino leader of the state Senate in 130 years, with enough political cachet to stage serious runs for U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

L.A.’s cultural cachet has also increased dramatically in those 43 years.

From Los Angeles Times

He's really bringing more cachet to this movement, because he is in a purple state, contested territory, close to the issues of immigration and guns.

From Salon

He has cachet that people are drawn to, he uses that mechanism to lure people in.

From Los Angeles Times

Vegetarianism “became more focused on improvement of the individual ... and gained a significant amount of social cachet,” said Shprintzen, who added that decades would pass before it evolved into an emblem of the counterculture.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prestige
• stature