chiffon

[ shi-fon, shif-on ]

noun

1. a sheer fabric of silk, nylon, or rayon in plain weave.
2. any women's dress ornament, as ribbon or lace.

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

/ ˈʃɪfɒn; ʃɪˈfɒn /

noun

1. a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc
2. rare.
   often plural feminine finery

adjective

1. made of chiffon
2. (of soufflés, pies, cakes, etc) having a very light fluffy texture

Derived Forms

• ˈchiffony, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiffon¹

1755–65; < French, equivalent to chiffe rag (< Arabic shiff sheer fabric) + -on noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiffon¹

C18: from French, from chiffe rag; probably related to chip

Example Sentences

A 2020 study found that the filtration efficacy of single-layer face masks made out of textiles such as cotton, chiffon, flannel, or silk varies a lot, and it can be as low as 5 percent, depending on the fabric.

From Popular-Science

Davis showcased that he’s capable of sensually displaying skin in elegant frames – from halter neck tops and cutouts to a chiffon translucent gown.

From Essence.com

Elena Zelayeta, the San Francisco cookbook author and radio personality, cooked them enchiladas suizas and chiffon cake.

From Eater

One 1918 example, in wispy silk chiffon and lace is even trimmed in mink!

From The Daily Beast

The acrobat was twirling during her performance, suspended by a chiffon scarf.

From The Daily Beast

The dress is a classic, with its soft, lavender hue, chiffon fabric, and minimalist shape.

From The Daily Beast

What looked like ethnic or folk iconography was seen in the brightest of colors on suede, lace, and silk chiffon.

From The Daily Beast

As her website boasts, the collection features “silk charmeuse, chiffon, and stretch wovens.”

From The Daily Beast

The hostess wore a gown of black chiffon trimmed with pale blue that looked simple and was not.

From Project Gutenberg

Ronald looked at the mass of chiffon and the quivering fall of drapery before him and smiled.

From Project Gutenberg

This was the first time Barbara had spread her dainty chiffon wings in the air of the great north woods.

From Project Gutenberg

While her new protector was away, Barbara not only made the suggested changes, but she did marvels with the chiffon.

From Project Gutenberg

Her beautiful throat and shoulders rose in statuesque whiteness from the mist of chiffon that encircled them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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