coiffure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Low-frequency in everyday speechFormal, literary, journalistic (fashion/beauty contexts). Can be slightly pretentious if used for a simple hairstyle.
Quick answer
What does “coiffure” mean?
An elaborate hairstyle, especially for a special occasion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An elaborate hairstyle, especially for a special occasion.
The art or profession of hairstyling; also refers to a specific styling of hair, often with an implication of formality, artistry, or fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word similarly. It is slightly more likely to appear in UK fashion/beauty journalism.
Connotations
In both, it suggests formality, sophistication, or a professional styling job. Can sound dated or humorously grand if applied to a casual style.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday conversation in both regions. Primarily found in written contexts related to fashion, beauty, society pages, or historical description.
Grammar
How to Use “coiffure” in a Sentence
have + a + ADJ + coiffuresport + a + ADJ + coiffurearrange/design/style + a + coiffureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coiffure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had her hair expertly coiffured for the gala.
American English
- The stylist spent an hour coiffuring the bride's hair.
adverb
British English
- Her hair was arranged coiffuredly, with not a strand out of place. (Extremely rare)
American English
- N/A - Adverbial form is practically non-existent.
adjective
British English
- She arrived with immaculately coiffured hair.
American English
- His always-perfect, coiffured look was his trademark.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the beauty/salon industry.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be marked as formal or humorous.
Technical
Used in hairdressing and cosmetology as a formal term for a styled look.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coiffure”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkɔɪ.fjʊə/ (like 'coin').
- Using it to refer to any haircut, rather than a styled arrangement.
- Misspelling as 'coifure'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in specific contexts like fashion, history, or formal descriptions.
'Coiffure' implies a formal, elaborate, or artfully designed hairstyle. 'Hairstyle' is a neutral, everyday term for any way of wearing one's hair.
Yes, but it's rare. 'To coiffure' or more commonly 'to coif' means to style or arrange hair. The past participle 'coiffed'/'coiffured' is more frequent as an adjective (e.g., 'perfectly coiffed hair').
Historically and most frequently, yes, but it can technically refer to an elaborate men's hairstyle (e.g., a powdered wig in the 18th century), though this is less common.
An elaborate hairstyle, especially for a special occasion.
Coiffure is usually formal, literary, journalistic (fashion/beauty contexts). can be slightly pretentious if used for a simple hairstyle. in register.
Coiffure: in British English it is pronounced /kwɑːˈfjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kwɑˈfjʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'to have one's hair done' (more common equivalent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a QUEEN (sounds like 'coif') with a FUR-trimmed robe, showing off her elaborate royal COIFFURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR IS A SCULPTURE / ARTWORK (an intricate coiffure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coiffure' MOST appropriately used?