chignon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Fashion/Hairstyling, Medical (anatomy)
Quick answer
What does “chignon” mean?
A hairstyle where the hair is twisted or coiled into a knot or roll, typically worn at the nape of the neck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle where the hair is twisted or coiled into a knot or roll, typically worn at the nape of the neck.
The term can extend to any elaborately styled knot of hair, often used in formal or bridal contexts. It is also used in anatomy to refer to a type of occipital condyle pattern (more technical/medical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The pronunciation has minor variations.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK fashion/beauty media, but both varieties use it identically for hairstyles.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions; higher frequency in specific domains like fashion, bridal, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chignon” in a Sentence
[Subject] wore/had/did her hair in a chignon.[Hairstylist] fashioned/created/pinned a chignon.A chignon at the nape.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chignon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She chignoned her hair expertly for the gala.
American English
- The stylist is chignoning the bride's hair now.
adjective
British English
- The chignoned look was perfect for the period drama.
American English
- She preferred a chignoned style for formal events.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in contexts like fashion retail or salon marketing.
Academic
Rare. Used in historical, cultural, or art history studies discussing fashion.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Used when specifically discussing formal hairstyles.
Technical
Used in hairdressing/beauty industry terminology. Also in anatomy (occipital condyle morphology).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chignon”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtʃɪɡnɒn/ or /ˈtʃɪnjən/.
- Using it to refer to any bun (a chignon is specifically a type of elegant, often low bun).
- Spelling: 'shignon' (common phonetic error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A chignon is a specific, often more elegant and formal type of bun, typically worn low at the nape of the neck. All chignons are buns, but not all buns are chignons.
In British English: /ˈʃiːnjɒ̃/ (SHEE-nyon with a nasalised 'on'). In American English: /ˈʃiːnjɑːn/ (SHEE-n-yahn).
Historically, the term is associated with women's hairstyles. In modern usage, it is almost exclusively used for women's hair, though men with long hair might wear a similar style.
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is common in specific contexts like fashion magazines, bridal planning, or hairdressing, but rare in everyday conversation.
A hairstyle where the hair is twisted or coiled into a knot or roll, typically worn at the nape of the neck.
Chignon is usually formal, literary, fashion/hairstyling, medical (anatomy) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; sometimes used in phrases like "chignon-tight" to describe extreme neatness.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHIC (elegant/fashionable) + GN (like in 'campaign' or 'design') + ON (on the head). A 'chic design' of hair worn 'on' the head.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELEGANCE/ORDER IS A CONTAINER (hair is contained neatly in a specific shape).
Practice
Quiz
In which field, other than hairstyling, is the term 'chignon' used?