cheongsam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (C1‑C2)Formal, descriptive, cultural/historical
Quick answer
What does “cheongsam” mean?
A body‑hugging one‑piece dress for women, with a high collar and a slit skirt, of Chinese origin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A body‑hugging one‑piece dress for women, with a high collar and a slit skirt, of Chinese origin.
A traditional Chinese garment that became a global fashion icon, symbolizing elegance and Chinese cultural identity; also refers to similar styles of dress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both regions use 'cheongsam'.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes traditional Chinese elegance, formal wear, and cultural heritage.
Frequency
Equally low‑frequency in both varieties, appearing in contexts of fashion, culture, or history.
Grammar
How to Use “cheongsam” in a Sentence
[Subject] wore a cheongsam to [Event]A cheongsam is made of [Material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion industry contexts (e.g., 'The boutique specialises in cheongsams').
Academic
Used in cultural studies, fashion history, or anthropology papers.
Everyday
Low frequency; used when discussing traditional attire or special occasions.
Technical
Used in fashion design, textile, or costume history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheongsam”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheongsam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheongsam”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtʃiːɒŋsæm/ (incorrect first syllable).
- Using it to refer to any Asian‑style dress.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common English usage, they are often used interchangeably to refer to the same style of dress. Technically, 'cheongsam' comes from Cantonese, and 'qipao' from Mandarin.
Traditionally, 'cheongsam' refers to the women's garment. A similar historical garment for men is called a 'changshan'.
It is worn on formal occasions like weddings, festivals, cultural events, and sometimes as elegant evening wear.
Yes, it remains a classic and iconic garment. Designers often create modern versions that blend traditional elements with contemporary fashion.
A body‑hugging one‑piece dress for women, with a high collar and a slit skirt, of Chinese origin.
Cheongsam is usually formal, descriptive, cultural/historical in register.
Cheongsam: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɒŋˈsæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɑːŋˈsɑːm/ or /ˌtʃɔːŋˈsɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHEONG' sounds like 'long' (as in a long dress) + 'SAM' (a common name) → 'Long dress for Sam's elegant aunt'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURAL HERITAGE IS A GARMENT; ELEGANCE IS A SCULPTED FORM.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cheongsam' primarily?