WordGarden.iofashionable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈæʃənəbəl/
US
- /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
stylish or in line with current fashion
currently popular or socially approved
Beyond the definition
If something is fashionable, it fits what people think looks good or modern at a particular time. You see it most clearly in clothes and design, but the idea goes further than that. A fashionable cafe may be the place everyone wants to visit, and a fashionable opinion may be one many people are starting to accept. The word often suggests that something feels current, noticed, and socially approved.
Picture a busy street where certain colors, cuts, or habits suddenly seem to be everywhere. That is the heart of the word: what is "in" right now. Sometimes people simply follow the trend, and sometimes they help create it. In either case, the word points to what is widely seen as stylish at the moment.
The word fashionable describes something that matches the current style or trend. It is "in vogue," popular, and seen as stylish by many people at a given time. Although the word is most often used for clothing and accessories, it can also describe many other things, including interior design, music, social habits, places, and even ideas.
For example, you might describe a new hairstyle as fashionable, meaning it is the look many people are sporting at the moment. A fashionable neighborhood is one that is trendy and desirable, attracting people with its unique shops, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. In the realm of thought, a fashionable political stance or philosophy could be an idea gaining significant momentum in public discourse.
However, fashionable does not necessarily mean "classic" or "timeless." What is fashionable today might be considered outdated or "passe" tomorrow. Trends are inherently cyclical and fleeting, so being fashionable often requires staying up to date with constant changes in the cultural landscape.
Interestingly, the word also carries a subtle implication of social influence. Something becomes fashionable because influential groups collectively decide it has value—it is a reflection of shifting cultural tastes and preferences. A designer who consistently creates fashionable pieces isn't just making clothes; they are shaping the aesthetic of an era. Ultimately, whether you are talking about the latest runway looks, a popular vacation destination, or a trending concept, fashionable signifies something that is currently admired, widely accepted, and at the forefront of style and taste.
Examples
- 1
Personal style
She always looks fashionable, even in very simple clothes.
- 2
Clothing trend
Long coats are fashionable again this winter.
- 3
Neighborhood
They rented a small apartment in a fashionable part of town.
- 4
Restaurant trend
Plant-based restaurants have become fashionable in many big cities.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social media
For a while, it was fashionable to post every meal on social media.
- Patternit is fashionable to + verb
many people think it is modern or desirable
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- chic
- up-to-date
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- fashionable clothes
- fashionable neighborhood
- fashionable opinion
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fashionableadjective