chic

1 of 2

noun

ˈshēk 

1

: smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner : style

wears her clothes with superb chic

2

: a distinctive mode of dress or manner associated with a fashionable lifestyle, ideology, or pursuit

wearing the latest in urban chic

New Age chic

3

: a faddishly popular quality or appeal

also : something (such as a practice or interest) having such appeal

… the transient tides of academic chic.

—Irving Kristol

chic

2 of 2

adjective

chicer; chicest

1

: cleverly stylish : smart

The woman who is chic adapts fashion to her own personality.

—Elizabeth L. Post

2

: currently fashionable

a chic restaurant

chic boutiques

chicly adverb

chicness noun

Synonyms of chic

Noun

• trend
• latest
• vogue
• craze
• style
• rage
• fashion
• enthusiasm

Adjective

• stylish
• fashionable
• happening

Examples of chic in a Sentence

Noun

It's the height of chic this year.

mockumentaries are the latest filmmaking chic

Adjective

The café has a chic new look.

a chic new hairstyle that makes her look very sophisticated

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

My Deluxe Corner Suite was the definition of mod Thai chic—all clean lines subtly accented with Thai touches, like a lotus pattern engraved above the bathtub and drapes in Thai silk. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

For the new fall campaign, Ziyi taps into the classic chic of London. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Adjective

This hotel feels upscale while keeping within a reasonable budget—ideal for 30- or 40-something couples looking for chic accommodations and access to the sights, without sacrificing peace and quiet at the end of the night. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Florence by Mills Chill Out Weekender Duffle Bag Millie Bobby Brown’s company, Florence by Mills, has come out with the chicest travel solution around — the Chill Out Weekender Duffle Bag, which is at a 90-day low price right now. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

Adjective

probably from attributive use of chic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chic

• radical chic
• shabby chic

Rhymes for chic

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

chic

1 of 2 noun

ˈshēk 

: fashionable style

chic

2 of 2 adjective

chicer; chicest

: stylish, smart

chic clothes