chiffon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Descriptive, special interest (fashion, textiles, baking).
Quick answer
What does “chiffon” mean?
A light, sheer, plain-woven fabric, typically made of silk, nylon, or rayon, known for its soft, flowing, and slightly rough texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light, sheer, plain-woven fabric, typically made of silk, nylon, or rayon, known for its soft, flowing, and slightly rough texture.
Any substance or texture that is light, delicate, and sheer, similar to chiffon fabric. Also used in food contexts (e.g., chiffon cake) to describe a light, airy texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The word is used identically in fashion and textile contexts.
Connotations
Connotes elegance, femininity, and lightness universally.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing in specialised contexts like fashion, sewing, or baking.
Grammar
How to Use “chiffon” in a Sentence
made of chiffondress in chiffonchiffon (noun modifier) + noun (e.g., chiffon gown)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chiffon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She chose a lovely chiffon scarf from the market.
American English
- Her bridesmaids wore chiffon dresses in pale blue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the textile industry or fashion retail (e.g., 'Our summer line features imported silk chiffon.')
Academic
In textile studies, material culture, or fashion history papers.
Everyday
Describing clothing or fabric while shopping or discussing fashion (e.g., 'I love the chiffon on that dress.')
Technical
Precise specification in sewing patterns, fabric wholesaling, or culinary recipes (chiffon cake).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chiffon”
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'to chiffon' is incorrect). Misspelling as 'chiffin', 'chifon'. Using to describe non-sheer, heavy materials.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Historically from silk, but modern chiffon is often made from synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon, which are more affordable and easier to care for.
Both are sheer, but georgette has a crinkly, slightly rough texture and is more opaque and heavier than the smoother, softer chiffon.
Not typically. It is a fabric name. However, you might see colour names inspired by the fabric's appearance (e.g., 'chiffon pink' meaning a delicate pink).
A very light cake made with vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder. Its texture is meant to be as light and airy as chiffon fabric.
A light, sheer, plain-woven fabric, typically made of silk, nylon, or rayon, known for its soft, flowing, and slightly rough texture.
Chiffon is usually descriptive, special interest (fashion, textiles, baking). in register.
Chiffon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪfɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɪˈfɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical/material term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'She's floating in a CHIFFON dress, as light as a CHIFFon of wind.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHTNESS IS DELICACY (e.g., chiffon curtains, chiffon argument).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chiffon' LEAST likely to be used correctly?