What does vogue mean?
Vogue is a word for something that is especially fashionable, popular, or noticeable in the culture of a particular time. As a noun, it refers to a prevailing style, trend, or practice: a design, attitude, or form of entertainment may come into vogue and later fade from public attention. As an adjective, vogue describes what is currently popular, as in a vogue style or a vogue product. The expression in vogue is especially idiomatic and means in current fashion or widespread use. Vogue is close in meaning to fashion, trend, and fad, but it often carries a stronger suggestion of public visibility and cultural prominence. It can also be used of ideas and practices, not only clothing or appearance. The word is useful when describing the temporary yet influential tastes and preferences that shape a society's cultural conversation.
A fashion, style, trend, or practice that is widely popular at a particular time.
"The look has been in vogue since the beginning of the decade."
The phrase in vogue is particularly common; vogue can also refer to a trend in ideas, language, or entertainment.
Fashionable or currently popular.
"She wore a vogue silver necklace to the event."
This adjective use is less common than the noun and is often applied to styles, designs, or cultural interests.
The plural is possible but uncommon; in vogue is usually more idiomatic when referring to a current fashion or trend.
"The magazine documented the changing vogues of the decade."
A vogue is more than a passing fad: it names the style or trend that everyone seems to be following at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vogue come from?
The English word entered from French vogue in the late 16th century. French vogue originally referred to fashion, style, or prevailing taste, and the English word came to denote a popular fashion or trend as well as, later, a fashionable quality. The related English forms voguish and vogueness preserve the same historical root.
Related word forms
How vogue is actually used
As a noun, vogue is often used with the phrase in vogue, as in a style that is currently in vogue. As an adjective, it is somewhat less common and usually describes a fashion, style, or trend. The word often suggests popularity that may be temporary, although it can also refer to an established fashion.
Easily confused with vogue
Vogue refers to what is fashionable or widely popular, whereas vague means indistinct, unclear, or lacking precision.