chic

[ sheek ]

adjective

, chic·er, chic·est.

1. attractive and fashionable; stylish:

   a chic hat.

   Synonyms: modish, elegant, smart

noun

1. style and elegance, especially in dress:

   Paris clothes have such chic.

2. stylishness; modishness:

   the chic of the firstnighters.

3. casual and understated style, as in dress or décor, that expresses a specified trendy lifestyle or activity:

   Black-rimmed glasses bring some geek chic to your outfit.

chic

/ ʃiːk; ʃɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of fashionable clothes, women, etc) stylish or elegant

noun

1. stylishness, esp in dress; modishness; fashionable good taste
2. any of various fashion movements based on a particular lifestyle

   radical chic

   geek chic

Pronunciation Note

The spelling pronunciation [chik] is considered nonstandard except when used facetiously.

Derived Forms

• ˈchicly, adverb

Other Words From

• chicly adverb
• chicness noun
• super·chic adjective
• ultra·chic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

1855–60; < French < German Schick skill

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

C19: from French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Born and bred in Zaun with a long criminal background, Vi is as rugged and misanthropic as Caitlyn is sleek and chic.

From Salon

You just need a good pair of denim that sustains and will look chic with whatever loafers.

From Los Angeles Times

Instructions to appear as if they can all afford to shop at Vivienne’s mean formal attire, but the chic Roslyn isn’t outdone.

From Los Angeles Times

Just a few years ago, the city was heralded as the next chic, hip thing, its tree-lined streets bustling with new boutiques, buzzing restaurants and rents so high that it sparked an anti-gentrification backlash.

From Los Angeles Times

“I chose Jones because the branding was chic and pretty non-descriptive,” Maguire said “I didn’t want to have to talk about the fact I was quitting and other NRT products were pretty obvious.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elegant
• exclusive
• mod
• modern
• stylish
• swank
• trendy