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

Often credited as sparking an ’80s revival in fashion, his voluminous, one-of-a-kind party dresses come to life through a combination of contrasting thrifted fabrics like denim, taffeta, chiffon, leather and lace.

From Los Angeles Times

Interest in adult ballet has even intersected with the enduring fashion trend known online as #balletcore, which takes inspiration from the bows, tights, flats and chiffon that make up the classic ballet uniform.

From Los Angeles Times

Think Boho chic with "printed chiffon, large statement prints and floaty shapes".

From BBC

Her older brother hovered close by and periodically fanned out the train of her lime chiffon dress.

From New York Times

They dyed chiffon to match the skirt, and miraculously found two more originals on Etsy to cut to fit and reuse the beaded white bodice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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