I. ˈfash(ə)nəbəl, ˈfaash-, ˈfaish- adjective
Etymology: fashion (I) , fashion (II) + -able
1.
a. : conforming to the custom, fashion, or established mode especially in dress or behavior : observant of the fashion : dressing or behaving according to the prevailing fashion
a fashionable lady
a fashionable society
: in accordance with prevailing form or fashion : stylish , modish
a fashionable dress
a fashionable hairdo
b. : of or belonging to the world of fashion : frequented or patronized by persons of fashion or by those who conform to fashion
the fashionable stores
a fashionable vacation spot
: popular among those who conform to fashion
during the height of St. Martinville's fashionable period, steamboats landed passengers regularly at its door — American Guide Series: Louisiana
eventually became a fashionable surgeon — Time
there are some fashionable books that one must read, because they are ingredients of the talk of the day — T.L.Peacock
went to Europe because it was the fashionable thing to do
asking the fashionable questions of the moment — Max Beloff
c. : merely echoing or imitating thoughtlessly or irresponsibly a contemporary fashion rather than acting responsibly or with a full awareness of essential issues
the martyr-toned, bogus moralizing now fashionable among scientists and their hero worshipers — Time
it is fashionable — and easy — to define tolerance in such a way as to evade all responsibility — Paul Blanshard
an Age of Anxiety in which “escape” itself is becoming increasingly frequent and even fashionable — College English
a fashionable neurosis — Miriam Allott
2. obsolete : capable of being shaped or molded
3. obsolete : of or belonging to mere outward show or form
4. obsolete : of good appearance
• fash·ion·a·ble·ness -bəlnə̇s noun -es
• fash·ion·a·bly -blē, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: a fashionable person
trying to keep up with the young fashionables of Rome — Grace Frick
the fashionables were now arriving, including a number of chic Muslims wearing tasseled chechias above their handsomely tailored European clothes — A.J.Liebling