élan

American  

[ey-lahn, ey-lan, ey-lahn] / eɪˈlɑn, eɪˈlæn, eɪˈlɑ̃ /

noun

1. style; flair; dash (especially in manner).

   to dance with great élan.

   Synonyms:

   zest, verve, spirit, panache, esprit, animation

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élan British  

/ eɪˈlæn, elɑ̃, eɪˈlɑːn /

noun

1. a combination of style and vigour

   he performed the concerto with élan

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Etymology

Origin of élan

First recorded in 1875–80; French, Middle French eslan “a dash, rush,” noun derivative of eslancer “to dart,” equivalent to es- ex- ¹ + lancer “to lance ¹ ”

Explanation

Elan is a simple sounding word that means liveliness, flash and panache. So if your dance moves have elan, you're feeling the groove with exceptional style and vigor. Elan comes from a French word meaning "to dart," and is often spelled élan. Someone with elan can be said to dart around with enthusiasm and a unique flair. Music or art can have elan, and so can someone's wardrobe. Elan can also mean zeal or eagerness in favor of a person or cause. So don't let this boring sounding noun fool you. Elan has a lot of pizazz up its sleeve.

Example Sentences

And so it was with Hollywood, which over the course of four decades translated some of McMurtry’s best work for film, episodes narrated with élan by Mr. Streitfeld.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

It was something in Dominique Pelicot's swagger, his "élan" - as the French might put it - that immediately struck the psychiatrist as odd.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2024

A stylish blender or kettle can earn its space on the counter by adding a dash of élan or color.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023

Although cut off from the economics of putting pen to paper or finger to keyboard, scores of WGA members are using their downtime and when not picketing the studios to channel their creative élan.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2023

Yet Elizebeth remained unruffled, approaching the job with her trademark energy and élan.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield